This study evaluated the care in philanthropic and private long-term institutions in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A sample of 181 caregivers of elderly was interviewed and was evaluated rate elderly / caregiver, their training in service, satisfaction, difficulties in function and activities executed. The rate elderly / caregiver was higher in philanthropic. Most acquired their duties in helping the elderly. In private, a higher percentage learned their duties in courses and 54.7% have training after admission, the percentage being higher in private institutions (64.6%, p <0.05). Almost all reported satisfaction in the profession, but 51.4% reported difficulties in practice. The activity carried out more was the bath of the elderly(22.5%). Problems were raised regarding the structure and provision of services to elderly in institutions, especially in philanthropic.