The study aims was to identify the structural couplings of Long Term Care Institution (LTCI) with the scientific system, through the perception of leaders about the research in this context, observing the communications and the resonances on the institution. It is a descriptive exploratory and qualitative research, using the Niklas Luhmann functional method. Data collection used second order observations by interviewing seven managers of non-profit Brazilian institutions, either public or private. Content analysis was performed based on the references of Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory. There is an understanding among the leaders of the importance of research in LTCI, as a contribution to gerontology, but there are doubts because of undue exposure of the elderly, invasion of privacy, fine return for the institution of research and lack of research as a tool for transformation practice. It is for science and research initiatives and the challenge of concrete propositions to strategies for overcoming limitations in the LPI and the recognition of professional institution as capable of contributing to the construction of knowledge.
Homes for the aged; Aged; Aging; Systems theory; Research