I have worked as a paramedic for over 3 years now. During this time, I visited many nursing homes, both following emergency calls and as part of so-called routine transports to medical facilities. These experiences included numerous meetings with residents of these facilities, as well as tours of various areas and types of nursing facilities. All these experiences created in my mind a sort of conflation between retirement homes and their residents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Before I dive into my feelings about nursing homes, I think it's important to note that before the 19th century, the idea of ​​the "nursing home" was non-existent. Instead, society understood that, in most cases, once elderly family members were unable to care for themselves, they came to live with their children for the rest of their lives. In other situations, servants might care for the elderly or end up in homes for the poor. (Legal in the United States) However, as the changes of the Industrial Revolution impacted families, this option became less tenable. Groups created homes for the elderly, but these were primarily for those with “good morals” and financial means, leaving others in poor homes. (US Legal) In the 20th century, nursing homes for the elderly were developed with federal funding, leading to what we call nursing homes today. (Rincon del Rio)When people think of nursing homes, they tend to imagine community living for a group of seniors, with staff caring for their needs. Instead, what I see looks like a college dorm, inhabited by elderly people. They live together, often two to a room, share a common dining room and participate in organized activities. Some are very capable of themselves and need help with daily tasks, while others are unable to care for themselves without frequent help from staff. In speaking with locals, the common feeling is not one of resentment, but of resignation. “This is my life now” is a common theme. It's not that they're angry or depressed because of where they are. Instead, they are simply aware of the fact that this is how their life will end. Many have DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders, and some even have more detailed advanced directives that tell caregivers their wishes for "comfort care" in their final years. It is difficult to deny that these men and women have, in many cases, faced and often accepted their own impending mortality. For the most part, these elderly residents are fully aware that this is where they will breathe their last. And it's hard to forget that this is probably true for you and me as well. As difficult as it is to imagine your own death, if you spend enough time with those who have done it, it's bound to happen. Without a doubt, it is 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 in one of these establishments, as age takes its toll, we become dependent, even for1), 1770-1789.