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Medical History

Into the House of Old

A History of Residential Care in British Columbia

by (author) Megan J. Davies

Publisher
McGill-Queen's University Press
Initial publish date
May 2003
Category
History, Geriatrics
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780773526457
    Publish Date
    Oct 2004
    List Price
    $37.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780773525023
    Publish Date
    May 2003
    List Price
    $110.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780773570795
    Publish Date
    May 2003
    List Price
    $110.00

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Description

Davies' study of institutional life is multi-textured, informed by social and architectural theory while telling us much about daily life in these facilities. We learn about angry rebellion and harsh discipline, fun and festivals, death and compassion. And we see how the twentieth century witnessed the gradual withdrawal of these institutions from the life of the community, further enhancing the marginal place of the old age home in our society. Chronicling the evolution of professional ideas about residential care facilities and an innovative program to move elderly patients out of acute care hospital beds, "Into the House of Old" provides a context for understanding this problematic institution as both an offspring of the poor law and a product of the post-Second World War expansion of state medical services.

About the author

Megan J. Davies is professor emerita at York University and an activist community historian.

Megan J. Davies' profile page