An Exploration of a Modified Bioarchaeology of Care Methodological Approach for Historic Institutionalized Populations

Abstract

The bioarchaeology of care model was designed as a framework through which care for a prehistoric individual could be examined. However, it may be possible to use a modified version of this model to assess the efficacy of Institutions of Care from the historic period, such as mental health asylums, at the individual and, in certain circumstances, at the population level. This proposition is tested by using a modified bioarchaeology of care method, developed by the author, to examine the efficacy of care provided to patients at the Oneida State Custodial Asylum in the late nineteenth century. This chapter describes the results obtained from this process, considers some of the problems encountered in applying this new approach, and the refinements necessary for overcoming these, as well as identifies potential areas for future research application. It concludes that combining evidence from skeletal and documentary sources to focus on the effectiveness of institutional care provision leads to an expanded understanding of healthcare in the past.