Deserted Institute

I know someone can explain...

When Berlin & Ross go to the institute on Christmas Eve, it appears deserted. Was the idea that the residents/tenants all went home for the holidays? I just found it so weird that virtually no one was there, except for the janitor, who is revealed to be the peeping Tom, but not the murderer. I believe I have this correct. Is all this explained in the dialogue, but missed by me?

So the entire place is empty and dark. But it also appears this way at the end when Taylor arrives to kill Helena. Where is everyone? Still gone for the holidays? And we're given this idea that the blind don't need lightbulbs because they can't see anyway. I found that a little contrived. Sure, the blind can't see, but presumably, many who interact with them do. I can't imagine and institute for the blind kept in the dark such as this.

Btw, this is one of those movies I know I saw in the theater, but have absolutely zero memory of its content, except for the end and Andy Garcia trying to quit smoking. It's rare this happens, but I watching it last night waiting for scenes that I recalled, and nothing. Not sure if that says something about me or the movie. I had taken two girls to see it, so maybe I was a little preoccupied! LOL!