Manor Care

On Mondays after school, I go to Manor Care, the nursing home in Wilmette. It's just one of the many social service groups, but I'm glad I chose this one. We usually just try to keep the residents that stay or live there company.  

I remember talking about retirement homes in Modern World History last year and I remember my teacher saying that people in other countries are astonished by the fact that some Americans send their parents away. 

Obviously, there are reasons for doing so, but it just makes you sad when a resident tells you they've never been unhappier. 

Is there a reason why putting elderly in homes has become such a trend? What does it say about American culture/family life?