Nursing homes, which served as welfare institutions for the elderly before World war Ⅱ , were converted into first-aid facilities by the poor relief law. This sets the stage for the equalization of the administration and management of nursing homes and similar facilities. The trend was led by public welfare facilities for the elderly. Along the way, the number of employees was reduced cut and signs of specialization became evident in the field of nursing. The equalization of nursing homes facilities and equipment and their management and operation was underway across the nation, as can be seen from the nursing program guidelines, the dormitory matron engagement rules, and the nursing program overview.Welfare facilities regulated the number of residents, depending on the size of their rooms. They also determined the daily routines of the residents in advance in order to maintain the routine of life, in an effort toward equalization. In relatively advanced facilities, however, the treatment of residents as per their individual needs was considered a show of disparity in relief activities. Signs of specialization in nursing jobs were evident from the dormitory matron engagement rules at Yokufukai, in which reference was frequently made to medical care and nursing care. Further, the records of a nursing home in Tokyo contained many remarks on nursing care. These are considered signs of specialization being included to the relief activities by dormitory matrons. Indications of equalization and specialization from those days can be taken as useful references of the aid efforts at elderly welfare homes today
