The nursing home: occupational therapy services in an institution

The nursing home as an institution was described by presenting information from the literature and from the author's personal experience. Sociological definitions of the term institution were applied to the nursing home, and the negative effects of the institutionalization process on older persons were discussed. The plight of the residents was further exemplified in a discussion of the setting, staffing, financing, and services of nursing homes. Finally, the need for occupational therapy services was indicated, and therapists were urged to assume available jobs as therapists, consultants, or administrators in nursing homes as an initial step toward meeting this need.