Background: Among the various oral ailments which have been observed in elderly, root caries is a significant one. Tooth loss is chief oral health–related negative variable to the quality of life in elderly and root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in them. It has been reported about a third of older population bears most of the root caries burden. So the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of root caries among older individuals residing in resi­dential homes of Rajahmundry city India. Material and Methods: Elderly individuals aged 60 and above, residing in residential homes of Rajahmundry city, were included in the study. The study participants filled a questionnaire regarding their demographic details and oral health habits. Root surface caries was recorded according to criteria described by Banting et al. and root caries was expressed in terms of the root caries index (RCI). The statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and chi–square test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results: The prevalence of root caries was 8.8%. Statistically significant differen­ces (P < 0.05) observed across gender, socio–economic status, medication, method of cleaning and that were identified as significant risk factors for root caries. Conclusions: The prevalence of root caries among institutionalized older people was high. Oral health policies and preventive measures are needed focusing on the special needs of this neglected and socioeconomically deprived population to improve their quality of life.