[Rules and scope. Specific roles of the governing board and administration in homes for the aged]

At present the position of the Dutch homes for the aged is characterized by the increasing influence of external agents (esp. the government) and the increasing dependency of the residents. Disadvantages of a merely surveying and of an overruling board are illustrated and a careful participation of boards in managing the home is pleaded. Clear regulations of the competence of board and warden are important. It is a task of the board to develop a well-defined philosophy of the kind of services to be rendered by the home and of communication structures within the organization. The social-psychological position of the warden is illustrated with regard to residents, personnel, board and committees of residents and personnel. A model of a clear, comprehensive and effective network of communication and deliberation throughout the entire organization is sketched. Finally, the importance that residents have a real say in daily matters and in services to be redered is stressed.