Purpose: The purpose of this study was investigate the relationship between IADL, self-esteem and empowerment of elderly home residents. Method: The data were collected from Aug. 1 st to September 30, 2004. The participants were 274 elderly people who lived at home. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using the SPSS program. Result: Mean scores for IADL, self-esteem and empowerment were 3.74, 3.22, 3.36 respectively. IADL and self-esteem showed a significantly positive correlation to empowerment. Conclusion: This results indicate that the elderly people need more self-esteem and empowerment. Therefor it is important to develop effective strategies to enhance empowerment in elderly people.