| Abstract: | Contrary to popular beliefs the Dutch nursing home came into existence not after, but long before 1945. The special care units for the old chronic patient (developed between 1900 and 1950) were a response to the problematic status of these patients in the workhouses and general hospitals. In both institutions, they occupied 'the wrong bed'. The workhouses were subject to a lot of criticism because the provided housing for the complete range of elderly persons. This criticism triggered a growing need for specialized and separated housing facilities for the able and disabled elderly. In general hospitals the elderly patients occupied beds needed for other patients, while the care was too expensive. This problem increased because of the ageing of the hospital population. The latter was caused by the age-related increase of both the admission ratio and the average length of stay. In reaction to these problems, inside and outside the existing facilities, special care units with emphasis on nursing, were developed for the elderly chronic patient. Thus, during the first half of this century this provided the foundation of the future nursing homes, which developed so successfully after 1950. |
