Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-03-03

stated by those most familiar with the
problem Of caring for the insane that
the best work is done IN States where
the insane are committed only to State
hospitals. Such is the system in New
York, Connecticut, Illinois and Massa-
chusetts. Rarely are the insane we'll
cared for in almshOuses, and any system
which permits them TO remain in or en-
ter an almshOuse is defective.
The existence Of JuIletta as a county
Institution renders It easier for aims
houses throughout the State to harbor
the insane. AS long as it is operated
as a county institution there viii not be
a clear understanding as TO the proper
place for the insane. No such uncertainty
exists in New York, or in Connecticut.
Illinois or Massachusetts,. In those
States 1t is clearly understood by all
that only State hospitals receive the IL
sane.
Julietta is not so well operated as the
will not be as long as 1t is a county in
stitutiOn. 1t does not belong to a sys-
tenn with standards and conferences of
officers. Each OF the State hospitals IS
familiar with the work and results of
all the other hospitals Of the State, and
each profits by the experience, success
and failures of the other institutions.
For the good of the insane in Marion
County. and for such IN other counties
as are committed to almshouses, IL would
seem dUslSEUlt 10 utSGOlLluuE JuuEtLd,
and transfer the inmates to the care Of
the State. To accomplish this, additional
accommodations would be needed at the
Central Hospital for the Insane or in
colonies operated by 1t. Such provision
should be made.
Pending the time when such a trans
fer can be made, certain Improvements
should be mIda at Julietta. A larger pro-
portion OF the patients apparently could
work on the farm. TO do this, however,
would require more attendants. The IN
creased produce due to the patients work
would offset the extra cost.
Some dark cells are still used for dis
turbed women. These have been replaced
by light, well ventilated rooms on the
mems side. A like substitution should
be made on the women's side.
Very little fruit is used in the dietary
Old people can do well with little meat
but they need fruit. More should be
used.
No record is kept Of the farm produce
used on the table. Il is impossible to
know what the maintenance is costing
or what the farm is producing, without
such records. The lack of these records
is no doubt due to a lack Of clerical help.
The superintendent not only does all the
medical work, administers the institution,
supervises the farm, but also keeps the
books. No one man can perform all these
tasks successfully. The Superintendent Is
q doctor, and his chief effort should be
exerted in the care of the patients.
No Occupational work is provided for
the patients. 1t is always depressing to
20 through an insane hospital or POOR
asylum and see the inmates sitting with
folded hands doing nothing. 1t is hard
to go TO an institution with the knowl-
edge that one is going there to die; that
life is all in the past; it adds to the de-
preston to have nothing TO do to divert
the mind from that thought. A teacher
is needed to show the patients, however
feeble or crippled, something they can do.
In the insane hospital at Jacksonville
oh a -ara
have been added to the staff, yet the
total number Of employees has been re-
duced owing to the fact that patients en-
ployed are more easily cared for than
patients idle.
There evidently are some patients at
Julietta who do not belong therefor
instance, three small feeble minded boys
II all the patients were examined prob
the State School for the Feeble-minded
or at the poor asylum. If possible, the
institution should be cleared of all pa
tents not insane.
The atmosphere Of an institution is
frequently entirely changed by the in
PRODUCTION of pOttcd plants and window
boxes These would be advisable at
Julietta.
Those IN charge of the institution have
had under consideration the correction Of
the bad ventilation due to the blanketing
Of some rooms by the porch on the east
side Of the building. 1t is urgent that
the matter be corrected.
Two cisterns receive water from the
roof to be used in case Of fire These
cisterns leak, so that little water stands
ii them. Without a body Of water for
immediate use, the IRE hazard is great.
Either these cisterns should be re-
lined. or what Is better, an elevated tank
should be erected.
The institution Ia clean, in good re-
pair. and, considering the limited help,
Il reasonably well managed. Satisfactory
results. however, cannot be expected I'M
I'll more attention can be given to the
patients
Commissioner Shank stated that at any
time in the future DR.. Wrights recon-
mendations can be carried out by re-
moving patients to a State hospital for
tbs insane the poor farm could be re-
moved to Jnlietta-
There has been 3 plan on foot for sew
eral years to sell the valuable poor farm
zAn4. but - tax It has been blocked.