As the median age of the population increases, the care and housing of the elderly in the U.S. are of increasing concern. Jeanie Kayser-Jones compares a typical private institution in the U.S. with a government-owned home in Scotland.

Her analysis compels attention to the systematic abuse of the institutionalized elderly in the U.S.

Jeanie Schmit Kayser-Jones is Professor of Medical Anthropology and Gerontological Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco.

"A unique study of the dynamics of institutional life. The author's observations are supported by well-chosen references and comments made by the residents of the homes themselves."—Valery A. Portnoi, New England Journal of Medicine

"A labour of love written by a highly motivated professor of nursing who is also a medical anthropologist. . . . Should be compulsory reading, especially at the present time, for politicians, planners of health services, doctors, nurses, and social and voluntary workers."—Ferguson Anderson, London Times

"An excellent analysis of the effect of the development of health care for the chronically ill aged in the two countries, as well as the effect of the cultures and structure on the interaction of patients and staff."—Lucille E. Notter, Geriatric Nursing

"Students and professionals interested in aging can profit from this concisely written book."—J. Neil Henderson, Medical Anthropology Newsletter