Pennhurst

Built: 1903-1908
Closed: December 9, 1987
Architectural Style: Jacobean Revival
Also Known As: Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution For The Feeble-Minded And Epileptic
Location: Spring City PA
County: Chester
Current Use: Haunted Attraction and Museum

Pennhurst was used for the mentally and psychically disabled for nearly a century of operation. The site finally closed in December of 1987.   I did ask an employee what happened to the patients who were in the hospital prior to the closing.  The employee said that many were either transferred to another facility or transferred into a group home within the community.

The site opened on November 23, 1908 with their first admittance as "Patient One".  Within four years of operation as like many other "asylums" Pennhurst became overcrowded.  To help the patients Pennhurst had jobs for them which included shoe making and repair, grading, farming, etc. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG33HvIKOgQ&feature=youtu.be

http://www.preservepennhurst.org/default.aspx?pg=35

Article From the New York Times
In 1983, nine employees were indicted in charges of abuse which would range from slapping to beating them.  The employees would also encourage patients to assault or fight one another. 
http://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/04/us/workers-indicted-in-patient-abuse.html

National Suicide Hotline 
1-800-273-8255