Literature reveals difficulties in preparing nurses to care for older people. This article reports a study that aimed to facilitate positive changes in gerontological education in an undergraduate nursing program by identifying barriers and effective actions. A critical research approach was applied to the study. Data were mainly collected through…

Proposes an Institute of Gerontology for developing a comprehensive approach to caring for the elderly. Anticipates the institute promoting gerontological research, educating health professionals, and establishing health services for the elderly. Calls for a Gerontology Center within the institute, which would provide a network of coordinated…

Responses from 159 of 837 health and mental health professionals in Alaska showed the following: (1) 54% said community services for the aging were inadequate; (2) 55% felt health professionals' knowledge of aging was insufficient; and (3) 91.8% needed further training in aging and geriatrics, especially regarding mental health and Alzheimer's…

The present study compares changes in job satisfaction and career commitment among Alzheimer's care staff participating in a two-phase, state-level training collaborative to improve dementia care. Results reveal an increase in extrinsic job satisfaction and a decrease in career commitment. Findings could be related to the effects of both the…

Discusses Project SCOPE (Seniors' Community Outreach Programs and Education) which provided an enriched on-the-job training program in community health work. Activities were directed toward developing skills in conducting a needs assessment, networking, care planning, resource utilization and community development. Discusses project's…

Health care providers may encroach on individual autonomy of older persons, especially those they define as at risk. Providers should seek to promote self-care skills, define the client as a group or community, and recognize clients' role in forming healthy public policy. (SK)

Caring for patients with dementia is complex and demanding. Since family physicians (FPs) provide much of this care, we examined their practices, learning needs, and barriers to care concerning Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We surveyed 392 (approximately 50%) Nova Scotia FPs and conducted focus groups and interviews with: FPs; staff of…

Provides information on the debate over using the integrated versus segregated approach as an appropriate model for the provision of services and education in care of the elderly. Presents material obtained from a comparative study conducted between a geriatric and a general hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. (Author/ABB)

Found that senior citizens in a residential setting with in-house nursing services emphasizing health education had significantly greater health knowledge and behaviors than those in residences receiving traditional nursing services. All study participants reported having obtained health information in an individual (rather than a group) setting.…

This article reports a model for the preparation of gerontologists and health workers concerned about increasing cooperation and understanding between these professions. The project discussed entailed the cooperative efforts of the Oregon State University gerontology program and Department of Health, a tricounty area agency on aging, and community…

This paper presents a needs analysis conducted to obtain information concerning online dementia care training of healthcare workers in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The resulting information was used to guide the development of an online dementia care training program designed to facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary for…

Describes TirLawyn, an academic organization based upon the nursing home concept, designed to provide interdisciplinary settings for health care students and practitioners to learn about and research aging and health care services, and to deliver a continuum of exemplary care to the elderly. (Author/ABB)