Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between self-esteem, family support and suicide ideation in elders living at home. Methods: During May and June 2009, 182 elders who lived at home were surveyed using structured questionnaires including interviews. Percentages, means with standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe\'s test, Dunnett T3 and Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and family support. There were significant negative correlations between self-esteem and suicide ideation as well as family support and suicide ideation. Conclusion: Health and economic status have positive effects on self-esteem of elderly people. Results indicate that elders with a higher economic status had a higher level of family support. Further, family support increases self-esteem for elders. Health, economic status and family support affect the negative effects in suicide ideation. There are also many potential factors which can cause an increase in suicide ideation for elders and which need to be investigated.