Purpose: This article reports on a study to identify "building blocks" for quality report cards for geriatric care. Its aim is to present (a) the results of the study and (b) the innovative step-by-step approach that was developed to arrive at these results. Design and Methods: We used Concept Mapping/Structured Conceptualization to…

Purpose: The impact of major depression on quality of life (QOL) and aging experiences in older adults has been reported. Studies have demonstrated that the clinical diagnosis of major depression is the strongest predictor for QOL. We postulate that some findings are biased because of the use of inadequate instruments. Although subsyndromal…

Earlier evidence was not conclusive about whether hearing loss is associated with mood (i.e., depressive symptoms and anhedonia) and social engagement (i.e., reduced psychosocial involvement and reduced activity levels) in elderly residents living in complex continuing-care facilities. If hearing impairment results in poor mood and lower levels of…

Presents innovative method of using research findings to improve quality of life in long-term care institution. Describes impact of action research in developing service. Examines program implementation in terms of how groups of residents, staff, and families worked to enhance their social environment by strengthening supportive relationships,…

Assesses overall quality of life of caregivers, using a path model in which burden was conceptualized as distinct from well-being. Findings revealed that perceived social support is strongly related to well-being but unrelated to burden, reinforcing the conceptual distinctiveness of the two concepts. Suggests that quality of life of caregivers…

Purpose: We examine the psychometric properties of the Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale (PGMS) in an elderly Chinese population in Hong Kong. Design and Methods: The study consisted of two cohorts: (a) 759 participants aged 70 years and older living in the community who were recruited as part of a territory-wide health survey and interviewed in…

Reports effects of institutional regimes on levels of dependency among residents of public homes for the elderly in England. Differences in management practices and caring routines did not affect the creation or reduction of dependency among residents. Questions the rationale that informs some current notions of good practice in residential work.…

Measured levels of living among 157 elderly family households in a plantation community. Found the level of living to be determined more by the plantation production system and the elderly's past patterns of economic participation than by the size of the completed family. (Author/ABB)

Used data from a longitudinal study of elderly which began in 1979 with 534 individuals in rural North Wales to study relationship between social circumstances and longevity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated there is no prima facie evidence that survival is affected by social networks or quality of life factors. However, socioeconomic factors…

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)

The British National Health Service faces a future in which demand for health services will outpace supply. A public nursing home service may prove to be an economical service. Alternative sources of revenue and cooperation between the public and private sector are needed. (JAC)

Older adults are generally satisfied with moving to the seaside, and are motivated by a more congenial physical environment and social advantages of living with retirees with similar interests. Unfortunately social and health services have not kept up with the demand. (JAC)

Background: Nursing aides' attitudes condoning elder abuse are a possible risk factor for executing abusive behaviors against elder residents of long-term care facilities but have been studied infrequently. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess nursing aides' attitudes that condone abusive behaviors toward elderly people, as well as the…