The Trend away from Institutionalization

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an empirical assessment of different living environments (community, senior citizens' subsidized housing, and care institutions) for the overall well-being of the elderly. The data refer to an area probability sample of 4,344 elderly in Manitoba, Canada. Multiple regression and t tests are utilized. The findings reveal that residents of conventional housing in the community and those of senior citizens' subsidized housing are similar to one another but different from those living in care institutions. In addition, lower overall well-being is evident in care institutions than in the other two settings. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of the current trend away from institutionalizing the elderly.