Purpose : This comparative research was undertaken to investigate differences in self-esteem and Quality of life according to perceived social support. The participants were elderly people residing in a nursing home. Method : Data collection was done by interviews using a questionnaire and included 103 elderly people living in a nursing home in the city of Inchon. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, X² test and Fisher\'s exact test. Result : 1) The score for level of perceived social support was 3.96 out of a possible 5. 2) There were significant differences in perceived social support according to gender and religion. 3) The first hypothesis that \"Elderly people living in a nursing home who have a high level of perceived social support will show more self-esteem than elderly people with low social support\" was supported. 4) The second hypothesis that \"Elderly people living in a nursing home group who have a high level of perceived social support will show greater life satisfaction than elderly people with low social support\" was supported. Conclusion : The study shows that institutionalized elderly people with higher levels of perceived social support show more self-esteem and better quality of life than elderly people with low levels of perceived social support. Therefore, ways to increase social support for elderly people who are institutionalized should be developed.