Care of Aged Persons in the United States (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Excerpt from Care of Aged Persons in the United States

Homes for the aged are, in general, most numerous in industrial sections and least numerous in the agricultural parts of the country. Some of the homes have been in existence a long time. Thus, three were found which were established more than 100 years ago, and more than a sixth of the total number have been in existence half a century or more.

Not everyone is eligible to these homes: 59 take only men, 328 take only women, 39 take individuals of both sexes, and 608 take both sexes and married couples as well. Also, membership in the group which is supporting the home is often a requisite. Thus, the homes of trade unions and fraternal organizations take only members of the organiza tion; church homes usually require membership in the denomination. Residence requirements are common among the homes supported by contributions from the community. In cases Where the home is supported by the proceeds of a legacy, the applicant must fill the membership requirements laid down in the will of the founder. Age requirements are also common, 60 and 65 years being the most com mon ages below which admission is denied.

In most instances the home contracts, for a flat sum, usually of $300 or $500, to care for the inmate for the remainder of his life, whether this be 1 year or 20 years. For this sum the resident receives board, lodging, and laundry, in the majority of cases nursing and medical care, in some instances an allowance for pin money, and also in some cases burial in the home's burial plot.

Each incoming resident is accepted on probation for a period of from three to six months. At the end of that time, if still acceptable, the inmate becomes a life member of the home. If, however, the applicant is found not to be congenial, or is a trouble maker, or is for any other reason considered undesirable, he is dismissed and his entrance fee returned, minus a small weekly charge for board and room during the period of probation.

Once accepted, the inmate becomes eligible to all the privileges of the home. All life residents are treated alike regardless of the amount turned over to the home at time of admission, the only exception being that those who had property in excess of the admission fee often receive interest on the excess.

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