Yes, older adults may be kept in nursing homes against their will. In some cases, may be appropriate so that the elderly person can have the safe level of care they need. There are legal proceedings to place a person in a home involuntarily if they are unable to recognize their own need for care.
However, there are other times that an older adult may be kept in a nursing home against their will and subject to abuse or neglect. There are avenues available to report and help individuals who are mistreated in nursing homes, including calling the police and making reports to Adult Protective Services.