I have been working as a paramedic for over 3 years. During that time I have been to numerous nursing homes both following emergency calls and as part of so-called routine transports to medical facilities. These experiences included numerous meetings with the guests of these facilities, as well as visits to different areas and types of nursing facilities. All of these experiences have created in my mind a kind of fusion between nursing homes and their residents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Before diving into my feelings about nursing homes, however, I think it's important to note that, prior to the 19th century, the idea of ​​the “nursing home” was nonexistent. Instead, society was convinced that, in most cases, once elderly family members were no longer able to care for themselves, they went to live with their children for the rest of their lives. In other situations, servants might care for the elderly, or they might find themselves in homes for the poor. (U.S. Legal Department) However, as the changes of the Industrial Revolution have left their impact on families, this option has become less sustainable. Groups opened homes for the elderly, but these were mainly for those of “good character” and means, leaving others to poor homes. (United States Legal) In the 20th century, nursing homes for the elderly were developed with federal funding, leading to what we know today as nursing homes. (Rincon del Rio)When people think of nursing homes, they tend to imagine communal living for a group of elderly people, with staff taking care of their needs. What I see instead is something similar to a university dormitory, inhabited by elderly people. They live together, often housed two to a room, share a common dining room and participate in organized activities. There are some who are very capable on their own, and need assistance with daily activities, and there are others who are unable to care for themselves without frequent help from staff. From the dialogue with the residents the common feeling is not that of resentment, but of resignation. “This is my life now” is a common theme. It's not that they're angry or depressed about where they are. Instead, they are only aware that this is how their life will end. Many have DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders, and some even have more detailed Advanced Directives that instruct caregivers about their wishes for nothing more than "comfort care" in their final years. It is difficult to deny that these men and women have, in many cases, faced and often embraced their impending mortality. For the most part, these elderly residents are fully aware that this is the place where they will take their last breath. And it's hard to forget that this is most likely true for you and me too. As hard as it is to imagine your own death, if you spend enough time with those who have, it is bound to happen. It is undoubtedly difficult to imagine spending the last years of your life in a place like this, especially when you are young and healthy. We take things like being able to go to the bathroom independently for granted. But once we enter one of these structures, as age sets in, we become dependent even for basic tasks. In my visits I have seen patients with frequent urinary tract infections, often due to poor hygiene, and bedsores, due to staying in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, falls are an all too common problem. Even though this shouldn't’1), 1770-1789.