PoorHouse

Nursing homes in the US are usually associated with silence, old age, the smell of medicine and memories. Those who need constant care, support or just a roof over their head for the last years of their lives live there. But there is another side of this reality – a little noticeable, but extremely interesting.

Out of the public eye, these institutions sometimes hide quite helpless grandparents. Here you can meet people who deliberately disappeared from sight. Someone ran away from their family, someone ran away from the court, and someone ran away from themselves. Yes, American homes for the elderly sometimes become a quiet refuge for those trying to erase their own past.

Who lives in homes for the elderly today?

The stereotype of old women with walkers who watch TV all day is no longer true. Yes, most of the residents are elderly people, but younger patients are increasingly coming there. These can be people with serious illnesses, veterans with post-traumatic syndrome, or even homeless people who have no other shelter.

Another category is immigrants, especially illegal ones. Some of them are specially accommodated in such institutions in order to disappear from the field of view of the migration services. The medical system in the US is complicated, but once you’re in the middle — especially under a different name — almost no one will look for you. Add to that an overworked staff, a lack of funding, and you have the perfect place for those who want to “unwind.”

Living in a different name: how people disappear into the care system

How much does it take? Sometimes it’s just a fake birth certificate, sometimes it’s a familiar doctor or nurse. These things are rare, but they do happen. A person comes to a state where no one knows him, registers under a new name and starts life from scratch – in a room with beige walls, plastic curtains and a clock that ticks not for years, but for days.

And no one asks: “And why did you, a healthy 58-year-old man, come to a home for the elderly in the remote state of Iowa without family, documents and contacts?”

When the past knocks on the door: search, Interpol and extradition

This can last for years until the system fails. Most often, the signal comes when the registers are crossed: during an application for assistance, a scheduled medical examination, or even a banal insurance check.

And then that’s it. One request, and a few days later there are non-nurses knocking on the door. This is no longer a matter of care, but of jurisdiction. And some of these “patients” are not just fugitives from taxes or debts. Among them are people who have been on international wanted lists for years – for corruption, money laundering, political crimes or even participation in schemes related to state secrets.

Expert opinion:
“Como señala un abogado internacional especializado en derecho penal, algunas personas que viven bajo nombres falsos en instituciones de cuidado a largo plazo suelen preguntarse: “cómo saber si tengo alerta de Interpol“ — cómo saber si hay una notificación activa en su contra. Esta verificación es muy importante. Una persona puede ni siquiera saber que su nombre ha sido incluido en la base de datos de forma remota, ya que muchos casos se abren sin una notificación oficial previa” says a lawyer with experience in international wanted cases.

Indeed, once a request enters the system, even a medical-type facility has no legal right to “hide” an individual. After identification, the procedure follows: detention, inspection, request for extradition. Sometimes the court will consider age, health, or risk to life, but sometimes it won’t.

Can such institutions protect?

A home for the elderly is not a prison, but it is also not a refuge from the law. However, sometimes lawyers file petitions for humanitarian protection or medical circumstances that make extradition impossible. For example, if a person is suffering from the last stage of dementia or has an oncological disease that requires constant care, the authorities can temporarily suspend the process. But these are exceptions.

It should be understood: the mere fact of living in an almshouse does not exempt one from legal responsibility. He only postpones it.

What does this say about us?

The fact that some people choose to live in such places not because of old age, but because of fear is a serious signal. A signal of trust in the system. About how easy it is to get lost in bureaucracy. And about how thin is the line between “care” and “shelter”.

America’s retirement homes aren’t just about old age. It’s about people who want to forget. And about the society that allows them to do it. But the past always has a habit of catching up.

Modern society takes pride in its progress and humanism, but has our attitude toward those on the margins really changed? In the past, almshouses served as a way to “solve” the problem of the poor, the sick, and the elderly — people whose presence reminded us of social inequality. Today, these institutions have disappeared, but they have been replaced by other, less visible forms of social isolation.
Humanity has created new spaces where people can retreat from the world — whether it’s nursing homes, the closed-off life after retirement, or immersion in digital environments. These forms of seclusion may be voluntary, but often they are forced — especially for those who no longer feel needed or wanted.

From Shelters to Digital Isolation

In pre-revolutionary Russia, almshouses were shelters for those whom society preferred not to see: beggars, people with disabilities, the mentally ill, and elderly without support. Formally, these institutions were built for reasons of compassion, but in practice they became places of oblivion, where people spent their final days out of sight.
Today, physical isolation has been replaced by virtual alternatives. With the rise of digital technologies, people now have the opportunity to isolate themselves differently: without leaving home, they can spend days or even months in online spaces, without directly interacting with society. This may be a choice — or the result of having no other options.
One such space is online entertainment, including games, video platforms, and social media. For example, online сasina is one of many digital services offering people leisure time, a chance to test their luck, or simply a way to escape. For some, it’s just a pastime, but for others — especially those who see no prospects in real life — it becomes a form of withdrawal from reality.

Who Finds Themselves in New Forms of Isolation?

If we take a closer look at those retreating into the digital world, we often see vulnerable groups. Elderly people who are no longer part of the workforce. People with disabilities for whom the internet is the only form of access to society. Individuals who, for various reasons, cannot take part in active public life.
For them, virtual spaces offer what they lack in everyday life: a sense of control, participation, and the ability to choose. This can be beneficial and supportive — as long as the person also has other sources of support in their life.

Why Doesn’t Society Notice?

One reason society doesn’t respond to hidden isolation is because it is invisible. Unlike in past eras, we no longer need physical buildings to “separate” a person — it’s enough if they don’t leave the house, don’t socialize, and don’t participate in the life of the community.
Modern economies not only fail to prevent this, they often build entire industries around individualized consumption. Digital entertainment services, including online сasina, target a wide range of users, each with their own motivation: some seek fun, others seek compensation, and some simply want to feel present in the digital world.
The problem is not the services themselves, but the lack of equal access to opportunities. When real life offers no paths for development, people turn to the sphere where they feel active — even if it’s just an illusion.

How to Break the Cycle of Social Isolation?

Closing almshouses back then didn’t solve the problem — it simply shifted it into different forms. Today, the focus should not be on fighting the visible symptoms, but on changing the approach to social policy.
Possible solutions include:
Creating real social elevators — education, employment, inclusion — especially for vulnerable groups.
Developing support programs for those in isolation, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation initiatives.
An ethical approach to regulating digital industries: it’s important not only to follow formal rules but also to consider the potential impact on vulnerable audiences.

Conclusion: Don’t Repeat Old Mistakes

The history of almshouses teaches us a crucial lesson: attempts to hide social problems instead of solving them only lead to their transformation into new forms. Despite its technological advancement, modern society continues to reproduce models of isolation for vulnerable groups — just in more subtle and sophisticated ways.
The gap between the prosperous majority and those on the margins still exists. It manifests in various areas — from elder care systems to access to social mobility for marginalized communities. And as long as we choose to ignore these problems, they will only grow worse.
The Czech Republic, with its rich traditions of humanism and social responsibility, has every opportunity to become an example of a new approach. But to do so, we must stop viewing vulnerable citizens as “someone else’s problem” and begin building a society where no one is left behind. True progress is measured not by technological achievement, but by the ability to see every person — regardless of their status or circumstances — as an equal part of the whole.

In today’s world, information has become a key instrument of influence. Social organizations and state structures continuously fight for control over public opinion by shaping narratives—persistent stories that define how people perceive reality. In the Czech Republic, as in other democratic countries, this conflict is particularly evident: independent NGOs, activists, and human rights defenders on one side, and state media and propaganda campaigns on the other. Who is winning this battle, and what methods do both sides employ?

The Power of Social Organizations: An Alternative to Official Information

Social organizations, especially in the Czech Republic, play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. They often serve as independent information sources, particularly on issues that the state prefers to suppress or interpret favorably for itself. For instance, environmental movements like Hnutí Duha actively highlight climate change issues, while the government may emphasize economic benefits from coal energy.
One of the primary tools for NGOs is social media and independent media platforms. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube enable rapid dissemination of information, bypassing state-controlled filters. In the Czech Republic, organizations like Člověk v tísni and Amnesty International utilize these channels to highlight issues related to human rights, corruption, and social injustice.
Furthermore, social organizations frequently rely on expert opinions and research, increasing their credibility among the population. When state media denies problems, such as air pollution, NGOs provide concrete data, forcing authorities to respond.
An essential aspect of social organizations’ work is their ability to mobilize the public. Protests, petitions, and public discussions all exert pressure on authorities, compelling them to consider citizens’ opinions. In the Czech Republic, a prominent example is the movement Milion chvilek pro demokracii, which organized mass protests against then-Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, accused of conflicts of interest. These actions demonstrated how civil society could influence the political agenda.

State Propaganda: Control Over Media and Consciousness Manipulation

In contrast to independent organizations, the state possesses powerful propaganda tools. In the Czech Republic, despite press freedom, the government and entities close to it can influence public opinion through state media, legislative restrictions, and funding loyal media outlets.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, official information sources often contradicted data disseminated by independent experts and NGOs. The state emphasized vaccination necessity and restrictions, whereas some public organizations criticized stringent measures, citing citizens’ rights.
Another state propaganda method involves discrediting opponents. Instead of engaging openly in discussion, authorities might accuse NGOs of being foreign-funded or spreading “fake news.” Such methods were also used in the Czech Republic, particularly regarding migration policy or relations with the EU.
Public television and radio, which should formally remain independent, play a special role. However, in practice, they can face pressure from authorities. In the Czech Republic, debates about political influence on Czech Television (ČT) frequently arose, especially during election campaigns.

Who Wins the Information War?

The battle for narratives is more than a clash between two forces; it is a complex process where victory depends on numerous factors. Social organizations win due to mobility, public trust, and alternative information sources. However, the state benefits from administrative resources, control over key media, and legislative influence.
In the Czech Republic, where democratic institutions and freedom of speech are traditionally robust, social organizations currently retain significant influence. Yet, amid global rising authoritarian tendencies, their positions might weaken.
Interestingly, hybrid forms of influence have become increasingly significant in recent years, with the state imitating NGO activities by establishing pseudo-independent organizations that essentially promote governmental agendas. This complicates the information landscape and makes it challenging for citizens to discern reliable sources.

Conclusion: Why is this Battle Important for Society?

The conflict between social organizations and state propaganda isn’t merely a struggle for information but a battle for society’s future. The narratives that prevail determine whether citizens make decisions based on facts or under manipulation. In the Czech Republic, as elsewhere, maintaining balance is crucial: supporting independent NGOs while critically assessing all information sources, including governmental ones.
Only this approach can ensure a healthy information environment where society independently defines its position rather than becoming hostage to someone’s political games. Civic vigilance, media literacy, and active participation in public life serve as safeguards against manipulation from both the state and radical groups.
Ultimately, democracy’s strength lies in society’s ability to preserve pluralism and resist attempts to monopolize truth. With its rich tradition of civic activism, the Czech Republic has every opportunity to remain an example of effectively resisting propaganda and upholding democratic values.

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