Hamburg University Nursing Home Study

Nora Ayres, born in 1916, moved into the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC) in December of 1973. She discusses a little of her life prior to the move and what she misses. She talks about her impression of the BCC and the staff. She also discusses being an alcoholic. Anna Rowlett, born in 1906, discusses her acquiescence at the BCC and her daily routine. She talks about her life prior to coming to the center as well as her family.

Deva Birch, born in 1889, discusses living at the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC). She recalls her life prior to entering the center and talks about her family. She discusses the future of the elderly and her religious convictions.

Donald Delaney, born in 1888, discusses the lives of his parents and his own life. He talks about living at the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC) and how he is comfortable.

Oma Felts, born in February of 1894, discusses her life leading up to entering the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC). She recalls living on a farm during the Great Depression. She talks about where she lived after her husband's death, and the health problems that have effected her. She talks about her family, especially children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Felts also describes her life at the BCC.

Elsie Hagan, born in 1925, discusses coming to the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC) for health reasons and hoping to get well in order to return home. She talks about the differences between living at home and living at the center, and she describes her daily routine at BCC. Elsie reminisces about her life and talks about her family.

Wade Leavens talks about his life prior to living at the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC). He talks about family and the differences between the older and younger generations. He discusses his health problems and how he's overcome them. Leavens talks about the many experiences he's had through the BCC and how he's become involved; for instance, he is the official greeter, an article writer for the journal, and has served on committees. He also talks about the many friends he's made through this work both inside and outside of the center. He discusses the BCC staff and shares anecdotes throughout the interview.

Sandy Parks, born in 1960, discusses working for the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC) as a nurse's aide. She describes the hierarchy of the center and her basic routine. She talks about the patients' reminiscences and wishes and about the facility's benefits. Rosemary Hood, born in 1930, discusses working as a licensed practical nurse at the BCC. She talks about the daily routine of the patients as well as their reminiscences and wishes. She talks about the patients' depression and how it stems from the general self-centered attitude of American people, including family and staff. She also discusses the great responsibility involved in trying to fulfill the wants of the patients. Dana Atsom, born in 1957, discusses working as a nurse's aide at the BCC. She talks about how the patients seem to live in the past. She describes both her daily routine and that of the patients. She also shares the wishes of some of the patients. Bea Hamsta, born in 1925, discusses working at the BCC as a licensed practical nurse. She describes the hierarchy of the staff. She discusses the patients' reminiscences and their feeling of restraint despite excellent care. She talks about the center's goal to fulfill the wishes of the patients if possible.

Orval Stephens, born in November of 1905, discusses his life at the Bloomington Convalescent Center (BCC). He talks about his discontent at the center due mainly to his feeling of lost freedom and his wish to live independently. He reminisces about his wife and talks about changes that have occurred in the economy. He describes his daily routine at the BCC and expresses his dislike of the food.