According to Sampsell (2003), “76 million baby boomers are preparing to enter long-term care (LTC) facilities over the next 25 years” ( p.41). For older adults who need intensive medical care, nursing homes are the primary provider of services for older adults who "have chronic health problems that are often accompanied by physical impairments and functional limitations" (Luskey et Ingman, 1994, p. 265). In anticipation of this growing demand for services, some industry visionaries are working to change the way the public, consumers and long-term care staff view nursing homes by implementing "non-traditional principles to attract new residents” (Sampsell, 2003, p. 41). However, overcoming public perception of nursing homes could prove more difficult than securing funding for these new facilities. A majority of older people and the public view nursing homes as “the last resort for the elderly” (Nay, 1998, p. 401). This article will examine two of these alternative long-term care concepts, Eden Alternative and Pioneer Network, and report on some common societal perceptions regarding nursing home care. Additionally, this article will discuss the issues that resulted in implementing these innovations for staff and residents. Common Perceptions AARP (2007, Capacity) reported in 2004 that there were 16,100 certified nursing homes in the United States. Although most people recognize that nursing homes play an important role in meeting the needs of older adults who require advanced care, a majority of people have negative opinions about residents' quality of life while institutionalized. , as Wiener (2003) suggests. According to a survey conducted by Th...... middle of paper ......3, December). The promise, practice and problems of the Eden Alternative: a learning experience with installations. Managing Long-Term Care in Nursing Homes 52(12), 41-44.Schoeneman, K. (nd). The language of cultural change: Mayday. Retrieved March 11, 2011, from http://www.pioneernetwork.net/CultureChange/Language/The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health (October 2001). National Survey on Nursing Homes (conducted April-June 2001). Retrieved March 10, 2011, from http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/Kaiser-NewsHour-National-Survey-on-Nursing-Homes-Highlights-and-Chartpack.pdfWiener, J.M. (2003). An evaluation of strategies to improve the quality of care in retirement homes. The Gerontologist 43 (special issue II), pp 19-27. Retrieved March 10, 2011 from http://www.geroservices.com/downloads/pdf/Assessment_of_Strategies.pdf