Multiple pathology, a common phenomenon among elderly, fosters the practice of multiple drug therapy, which is particularly hazardous for this age grouping. The total drug exposure of two typical elderly persons, one institutionalized and one living at home, were analyzed. Potentially harmful drug interactions were discerned in both cases. (Author)

The Sheltered Care Environment Scale (SCES) measures the social environment of sheltered care settings, as perceived by residents and staff. This instrument was developed and tested in a sample of 40 facilities representing the breadth and variety of currently existing congregate housing for the elderly. (Author)

Reality Orientation (RO) Therapy, a recently developed mode of treatment for use with geriatric patients was discussed. A controlled study was conducted comparing the effects of RO with those of traditional hospital care. The results indicated that RO is a promising technique for use with a chronic geriatric patient population. (Author)

A country, case-descriptive methodology was employed in a cross-national study of social service systems. The major findings with regard to the aged are: (1) countries must establish a firm infrastructure of basic social provision for community services to function adequately and: (2) a common core of "personal social services" is emerging…

The view is presented that the kinds of dependent behavior elicited in an institutional setting can be avoided by modifying architectural concepts. Among the findings, which may influence institutional architecture, services, and programs, it was ascertained that the configuration of residence corridors is critical. (Author)

Italian and Polish residents of Baltimore were sampled to ascertain their attitudes toward care of aged relatives. A majority of the respondents indicated a preference for intergenerational household arrangements for ambulatory relatives, a preference for church rather than governmentally operated services, and a positive attitude toward…

Patients (n=45), ages 61-89, were assessed after 36 months of day treatment by the private Adult Day Treatment Center. It appears selective combinations of day treatment, group process, and group therapy offer an approach to the reduction of anxiety, the improvement of interpersonal relationships, and the maintenance of independent living. (Author)

This study suggests that the feelings of isolation experienced by some older people may be more likely than their actual lack of interaction. Data were collected from 163 subjects, aged 60 and older, by interview. Significant differences were obtained for the age and income variables and two of the proximity variables. (Author)

Reports that the elderly appear most influenced in health attitudes and behaviors by various factors within the setting so those who identify a major source of care tend to be higher utilizers, do less "shopping-around," and exhibit less negative behaviors such as needing care without seeking it. Discussion of the article follows. (Author)

The relationship between vision and mental functioning was investigated in a study of 295 elderly residents from three levels of care. Visual acuity and mental status were assessed. Findings indicate that there was indeed a relationship between vision and mental status. (Author)

An 11-year study was undertaken of 1,135 discharged geriatric patients from rehabilitation service in a skilled nursing home. Of the patients aged 62-99, 693 were discharged to independent living. The high rate of return to independent living was made possible through a health team approach including intensive therapy treatment and social work…

A combined program of Reality Orientation, Activities of Daily Living, and Recreational Activities, together with environmental stimulation, was applied on an individualized basis to 21 elderly patients suffering from both psychological disorders and long-term physical illness. The motivation to participate in the available activities increased…

This educational research project in gerontology was developed from an interest in translating research on sensory loss and environmental adaptation into a training program for practitioners providing services to the elderly. The present paper describes program development and initial assessment of its effectiveness. (Author)

Content analyses of case records and follow-up interviews with former clients of hospital social workers explored: (1) the primary social needs dealt with by the social workers; (2) clients' perceptions of their social needs during the hospitalization; (3) clients' perceptions of the social workers role, and satisfaction with social service.…

Describes a program of socialization therapy instituted for day-care geriatric participants identified as socially disengaged from both family and social roles, available through the geriatric center. Over a period of several months both individual role changes and changes in the group patterns of communication and interaction were observed.…