Sociologists consider institutions and organizations to be the building blocks of mass, complex society. For some members of society, one institution dominates their day to day life: these become known as total institutions, or places where people are isolated from broader society for long stretches of time and nearly all spheres of life are regulated. For this assignment, I want to examine nursing homes through the framework of the total institution. 1.5 million Americans live in nursing homes, while another 1 million live in assisted living facilities. Many nursing homes are being replaced by Adult Day-Care Centers or In-Home Care, which provide care/assistance for the elderly or disabled during the day and allow individuals to maintain their own home. Please write 2 paragraphs in response to the following prompt, being sure to address all of the questions posed to you:
Define and describe the concept of a total institution in your own words. Why do these institutions exist in society and what purpose do they serve? How does a nursing home qualify as a total institution, and what kind of total institution is this? What are some ways that living in a nursing home may be detrimental to the elderly? Do Adult Day-Care Centers and In-Home Care offer a better alternative? Why or why not
