Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive function, self-esteem, and depression among patients in long-term care hospitals. Methods: The study participants were 159 patients from 2 long-term care hospitals in Kyungki province. Data were collected from January 2 to February 5, 2013, by conducting across-sectional descriptive survey using a structured questionnaire administered by researchers. Results: Cognitive function and depression were significantly different according to age, education level and marriage. Self-esteem was significantly different according to education level and economic status. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with cognitive function, which in contrast showed a significant negative correlation with depression. Among our subjects, those older than 80 years showed low cognitive function and those with low educational attainment showed high scores of depression. Conclusion: We conclude that, elderly patients in long-term care hospitals who have low educational attainment should be carefully monitored, especially by nurses, for cognitive function and depression. In addition, nurses should have constant communication with their patients. Moreover, long-term care hospitals should apply early detection of and a management system for cognitive impairment and depression among their patients.