The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-11-17
THE UNFeRFGNAFES, -
An Admirable and Practical Essay by A
Lady Citizen Of indianapolis.
The Condition of the States In
sane. as Observed by Mrs.
~ George Merritt.
Female Attendants-The Effect of Music
Modes of Restraint-Professio naI
Charities Etc., Etc,

port OF tue present cOnultlOn Oh Inc Inulhnh
Hospital for the Insane, as feel that a
wider knowledge of our public institutions
and kindly interest manifested toward
them by people generally would be of adj
vantage to both.
In this paper / shall only attempt a
hastily prepared description Of things
that have come under my own observation
as self-d sle gated visitor, and to place be-
fore you few thoughts that have grown
out of my experience. hoping thereby to
assist in preparing the way to a better un-
derstanding. In obtaining information per-
tanning to 3 q e5F7t 90 .ss.s
THE INDIANA INSANE ASYLUM,
have had the best of opportunities. For
the past three years we have had free access
to all parts of the institution. During
nearly the whole of that time we have been
there twice week and at all hours Of the
day. We have ever been treated
with the utnos. courtesy By officers
and attendants Every avenue to informa-
ton has been open to U.S. Our visits, how
ever, have been confined chiefly to the wo-
mans department and to the better wards.
l have little personal knowledge of the mems
department. and for statistical information
must refer you to s.The Annual Report of
the Superintendent" which is now due.
The building now occupied by the woman's
department is beautifully situated, well con-
structed, and conveniently arranged. 1t is
divided into twenty-four wards, twenty-one
of which are now occupied. Each ward ae-
commodities thirty patients, with two, some
times three, attendants in. charge. The
different apartments, wards, etc., are CON-
fortably heated by steam, and admirably
ventilated. The windows are so arranged
that each one admits the sunshine at some
hour. during the day.
There is now abundance of pure water,
and every facility for bathing, and the pro-
motion of cleanliness is provided. The
sleeping rooms are of good size, and very
comfortably arranged. They are mostly
adapted to the use of but one person. The
largest dormitories contain but two or three
beds each. The beds and bedding are of
good quality, and are kept in the best of
order. -F
A well-lighted dilssg-room is attached to
each ward, and the food is plentiful, of good
aiiQ - AASCll SoohC0 ttAAN OAOuSnS
on in palatable condition. The tea and
coffee arc prepared in the dining-rooms and
are certainly of n very good quality The
table appointments are good, and every
thing, when not in use, is neat and clean.
The dish-wsshing is done in the dining
rooms. In this work, as well as in the care
of the sleeping-rooms, the attendants are
assisted by such of the patients as are able !
and to whom the exercise may be beneficial.
FEMALE ATTENDANTS.
There has been, heretofore, scarcity of
intelligent female supervision, but any crit
icism on that point is prevented by the fact
that three additional supervisors have just
taken their places. There are now two
ward supervisors proper, and a supervisor
of clothing, whose duty will be 10 look after
the clothing of the patients and attend to all
correspondence with friends on that subject,
and this will supply a long-felt want. A
lady of refinement and good judgment has
the general charge of the whole.
When these persons become adjusted 10
their positions there will be little left to wish
for in the way of improvement, except what
will naturally grow out of such an arrange
ment; as women of intelligence and aknowl-
edge OF household duties, with time, and
power, will find many little ways of adding
to the usefulness of the institution. especially
in the way of furnishing suitable occupation
for the inmates. Many attendants have
been very successful in interesting their
patients by encouraging them in the manu-
facture of different articles of fancy-work.
for themselves or for the ornamentation of
their wards 1t is Interesting to note the
many improvements for alternating the
mOnotony OF confinement in this asylum.
The wards are SO arranged, with alcOves
and open panels in the doors of
sleeping-rosms, that the feeling of
being prisoners is almost dispelled. The
walls, in many wards, are hung with pic
lures, and bright curtains give them pleas
ant, hOme-like appearance. The curtains
might well be dispensed with, except In sick
rooms or exposed bedrooms, as nothing, in
my opinion, is SO cheering rs plenty of sun
light and a good view OF earth and sky. In
place of the stiff chairs and settees formerly
used there are comfortable chairs, lounges
and rockers. There are also in the better
wards pianos and organs. The benefit re-
sulting from this cause alone is immeasur-
able. 1t was our fortune to be present when
a piano was introduced into ward of mostly
chronic patients. Their inexpressible de-
light when one of their own number awak-
ened the instrument into harmonious tones
will never be forgotten, and although this
was one what is called back ward" 50 sa-
cred has the instrument been considered
that in three years time it has not received
the least injury az their hands.
THE EFFECT OF MUSIC.
The beneficial effects of music are fully
appreciated by the officers in charge, and
concerts and like entertainments are fire.
quently provided. .
To Mrs Rogers we are indebted for the
presence of flowers and plants in the wards.
This adds greatly to the pleasure Of both
patients and attendants. They are gen.
orally cared for by patients who have a
taste for their cultivation. And through
this means some are led to better under
standing of lite. Patients who are control
liable are taken 10 stroll about the beautiful
grounds generally twice each day in sum
mer. and whenever the weather will permit
In winter.
They are also permitted to visit the
Kitchen, the general dining room the laun-
dry and the seWing-ro0m. These visits are
esteemed a privilege, as il also the permits
sion TO assist in The duties of these depart
,fnpnts