SOCIAL MARGINALITY - THE CASE OF SMALL BOARD AND CARE HOMES

Small board and care homes housing frail elders and other dependent ad ults are gaining attention of researches and policymakers. In this ana lysis, using data from a study of small homes and evidence from the li terature, we show that such homes can be understood as being character ized by, and suffering from, social marginality. Evidence of three asp ects of marginality are presented, with discussion of both positive an d negative outcomes. Much of the negative reaction to board and care a nd difficulty in its operation may be seen to derive from its unrecogn ized marginal status. In developing regulations, policymakers should r ecognize the unique niche represented by small board and care homes.