Gathered essays from 53 elderly nursing home residents about the strongest meaning in their lives. Most reported family relationships as central, followed by pleasure, and then health. Analysis showed significant differences between residents' and younger adults' types of meaning. Residents did not reveal an absence of meaning in their lives. (RJM)

Interviewed 179 caregivers of hospitalized patients and studied discharge decisions to examine factors associated with willingness to continue in caregiving role after hospitalization of relative with dementia. Caregivers initially undecided about discharge plans were likely to seek placement for patients with more severe cognitive impairment,…

Examined cherished possessions and adaptation to nursing home of 100 nursing home residents. Findings showed those with possessions were better adapted; possessions served functions of historical continuity, comfort, and belongingness; and more women than men had cherished possessions. (Author/PVV)

Discussion of library outreach programs to senior citizens highlights the experiences of Driftwood Library (Lincoln City, Oregon) in using multimedia kits by Bi-Folkal that were designed for use in nursing homes, senior care centers, and retirement homes. Library staffing, funding, and planning needs are addressed. (LRW)

Describes a day care center adjacent to a nursing home where the children can interact with the elderly residents. A group of local businesses agreed to build and support the day care center when it became apparent that many of their employees needed day care services for their children. (KS)

Analysis of the 1977 and 1985 National Nursing Home Surveys with respect to residents with mental retardation found little change in the size of the population; resident characteristics (such as other disabling conditions and functional limitations and primary source of payment); and level of services received. Challenges in implementing Public…

Describes a poetry group which encouraged the expression of memories and imagination among frail elderly residents of a nursing home over a period of nine months. Shows how it facilitated peer friendship formation, increased expression of affect, resulted in improved staff treatment of residents, and ended with the publication of an anthology. (SR)

Presents an intervention, used in the Netherlands, that empowers clients in residential care homes. The intervention comprises a standardized survey-feedback procedure in which residents' opinions on life and care in their particular home are gauged, discussed, and reported. Explores instrument validity, reliability, and its use in the home. (RJM)

Describes a workshop in which family members and friends of persons with dementing disorders who live in nursing homes develop stories of these residents' lives. The workshop is product-oriented, is not meant as a support group, and works best in organizations emphasizing individualized care. Stories should help staff members better understand…

Examines the issues that language researchers may face when planning and executing research in facilities which are not traditionally or frequently involved in research with individuals who have language disorders. Addresses informed consent procedures, administrative approvals, staff education, and enlisting the help of staff speech-language…

Explores adult developmental theories regarding implications for art therapy with impaired elderly. Examines the struggle inherent in the creative art process as a means to facilitate developmental struggle. Claims that artistic processes facilitate struggles, which can elicit conflict resolution and utilization of mature defenses with even…

Data was collected from ombudsmen (N=607) in nursing facilities about the factors that make their jobs difficult. Hypotheses about support, relationships with peers, and efficacy were tested. Support from facility administrators and residents contributed to efficacy, whereas help from other volunteers had a negative effect. Results point to the…

Examined the effects on veteran and novice participants of a life review program for nursing home residents with Alzheimers disease or severe cognitive dysfunction. Results confirm the impact of the Life Review Program on level of disorientation, social interaction, and life review. Evidence suggests that life improvements may be stored in memory…

Adapts Stress Process Model (SPM) of family caregiving to examine predictors of depression in a sample of caregivers (N=133) with demented relatives residing in suburban skilled nursing facilities. Results suggest that caregiver depression is closely linked to how well resident and caregiver adjust to the nursing home environment. (BF)

In 1999 Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) implemented the Overseas Service Veterans (OSV) At Home Pilot Project in response to the problem that a growing number of clients were on waiting lists for beds in long-term care facilities. The At Home pilot offered certain clients on waiting lists, who met nursing-level care and military-service…