688 Comments for Western Center

I would imagine it was part of the decor that would be considered "safe" for residents.

Could have been a dining room, activity room, or maybe chapel ?

Actually, we buy from a state prison that makes and/or acts as a middle man for selling stuff like that. We get huge discounts by buying in bulk. Paint, tiles, even coveralls. They sell to government institutions.

The cage on the sides was to prevent jumping. There are some people that compulsivly jump off anything, even if it is only a chair or stool. If given the chance, they would jump from higher items. We used to have a resident that did that, his feet were totally ruined from being broken so often. Jumping was his "thing" , part of his illness.

It is known as a hopper and they are still used to rinse out soiled bedpans, linens, and clothes.

Even only 50 or 60 years ago, people rarely took home developmentally disabled children. 'When my cousin was 2 years old, he suffered brain damage as a result of a high fever. The doctor told my aunt to just go home and they would put him away for her...she didn't need to worry. She took him home, and today although in a group home, is mid-functioning where if he had been institutionalized he would probably have remained low-functioning and institutionalized his whole life.

They look like psych furniture. The plastic covered cushions, simple shape, and lack of visible hardware.

They would sometimes use numbers very unlike the room numbers for easy distinction. Like maintenance areas might all be in the 500 range, offices in the 400 range, and activity rooms in the 600 range.

Hydro-therapy was a popular option years ago. It didn't always mean ice-cold water. Sometimes it was tepid or warm, and the resident was put in there with a cover securing them with only their heads peeking out.

It was easy to clean, easy to maintain. Less likely for someone to hurt themselves on anything.

It was considered cool and calming at one point, now they know that blue is actually a more depressing color.

- Joe
wow, that's disturbing.
don't get me wrong, I wish I thought of it first. :)

I wonder if they still make those shiny bricks anymore.....? I can't decide if I like the blue or the yellow better. They're so.....institutional!
Anyhow, thanks again Mr. Motts. We appreciate all the effort & $$ it takes to do these expeditions!

Please come to Boston Mr. Motts, alot of people are leaving because they cant afford it so there will be plenty of places for you to photgraph.

Thank you for another amazing set of photos and thank you for sharing your genius with all of us

wow if you miss that target that many times, please dont carry a gun!