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About the DBE Homes
There are four
residential retirement homes, each located in a D.B.E. district, founded by the Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. and supported by the D.B.E. and other British-American philanthropic organizations. Each
Home has its own characteristics, all are beautifully furnished, often with personal belongings of the residents. The public rooms are attractive and comfortable with a cheerful atmosphere.
Eastern District - The Victoria Home for Retired men and
Women, incorporated in 1916, is in Ossining, New York. The Home is a large, remodeled house with a three-story brick wing housing single rooms for 49 residents, surrounded by
tree-shaded lawns and gardens overlooking the Hudson river.
Mid-Western District
 - The British Home for Retired Men and Women, incorporated in
1920, is in Brookfield (Chicago), Illinois. The Home is located on ten acres of land surrounded by forest preserves and nature walks and is a short walk to the
Brookfield Zoo. The Home consists of two buildings, a two-story building constructed in 1924 and licensed to provide nursing services for 90 residents in accommodations which
include 64 single sheltered care rooms and 26 intermediate care beds in a fully equipped infirmary. A second building was completed in 1986, the Wye Valley Apartments, also a two-story
building. This building is an independent housing facility for seniors. Also the British Home Corporation built a sheltered care home in 1994, for 8 residents, located nearby.
 Western District - The British Home in California Ltd., incorporated in 1930, is in Sierra Madre ( Los Angeles), California. The Western Home is in the foothills of the of
the Sierra Madre Mountains and has 6 separate cottages, dining room, kitchen and offices surrounding a central garden. Covered walkways join the buildings. There are single rooms for 37 residents.
Southern District  - Mountbatten House was opened in 1983 in Highlands (Houston),
Texas. The Home, built along the lines of an English country home, has 16 private rooms and a beautiful dining room. The spacious beamed living room with fireplace provides a warm and inviting place to receive
guests.
Operation of Homes
Each Home Board is incorporated in its own state and is governed by its own Board of
Directors, assisted by advisory boards and finance committees. Each Home has its' own bylaws and rules of admission.
Home Board Presidents are members of the D.B.E. All Board members and committee
members are volunteers and do not live at the Home.
Each Home is staffed by qualified, salaried personnel - administrators, housekeepers,
cooks, gardeners, maintenance staff, and, where infirmary or convalescent care is given, nurses, dietitians and therapists. In addition, numerous volunteer committees assist in all
the Homes with visitation, entertainment, handicrafts, etc.
Home Financing
The Homes are financed by donation and contributions from D.B.E. members, British
-American philanthropic organizations and endowment funds (which include bequests and legacies). These funds are augmented by moneys received from the residents.
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