Abstract Background: The risk of entry into a nursing home has been shown to vary according to geographical and clinical factors, although the effect of location could be due to confounders. The main objective of our study was to describe their perception of their place of residence in adults aged over 65 in four European countries. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 2016 by a poll institute in a representative sample of individuals from a population of retired residents in four European countries, selected by quota sampling. A total of 4160 subjects aged 65 or older were selected. For descriptive analysis, qualitative variables were presented with absolute frequencies and percentages. A Principal Components Analysis was performed, and clusters were identified using results from the analysis. Results: The study population comprised 4160 individuals from Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. Overall, 2389 (57%) were women; 1414 (34%) were aged 65 to 69, and 2709 (65%) were living maritally. A majority (2938, 70%) were home owners, while 1253 (30%) showed signs of social precariousness including low income, and 1159 (27%) had a low level of education. Principal component analysis identified six well-defined groups: Wealthy Belgians, Flexible single people, Wealthy Germans, Low-income Germans, Isolated Italians, Italian homebirds. Conclusion : Understanding the representations that elderly Europeans have of their place of residence can help healthcare professionals decide how to assist each elder towards an acceptance of his/her new life in the nursing home.