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Public almshouses are created by religious groups to care for the poor and homeless. They began catered to people with disabilities, infectious diseases, the mentally ill, orphans, widows, and the elderly. Known for their lack of safety and sanitation standards and poor quality care.
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Almshouses emptied their beds sending their chronic patients to seek long term care in non public nursing homes. Many elderly patients had no choice but to stay.
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Almshouses closed due to this act banning old age assistance to residents in public facilities. Allowing private facilities to receive government fundings.
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The number of nursing homes grew, making them more institutional and less homely.
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Nursing homes transition to a medical model when government regulations are put in place to end abuse in nursing homes. Including fire hazards and inadequate diets.
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Granted public money to build nursing homes. This introduces federal regulations due to the public funding.
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Nursing homes were already medicalized when Medicare is introduced. The introduction of Medicare caused the need for nursing homes to become short term or acute care. Creating the current nursing home systems.