To examine the way in which mentally retarded children and adults in community living arrangements view notions of home and family, questionnaires were administered to direct care staff working with 151 retarded children and adults. Questionnaire items touched on such aspects as residents' age, sex, length and type of institutionalization, behavior characteristics, and methods used to express ideas of home/family. Results revealed that 85% of the residents expressed ideas of home and family at least occasionally. There were no significant differences in the frequency of expression of ideas of family and home related to sex, functioning level, or type of residence. Trends were found between increasing lengths of separation from home and decreased expression of ideas of home and family, and between frequent contact and increased expression. Other results included that over 19% of the residents used fantasy as a means to express ideas of home, while 14% who spoke frequently of home acted out. The staff identified behavior patterns that were not related to the resident's expression of home and family, but were considered to be affected by the home situation. An increased staff reaction was found when residents' talking about home had a strong emotional content. Implications included the importance of knowing when to refer a resident for professional assistance and of understanding that emotional growth can be hindered by separation from home. (CL)