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)

The Institutional Review Committee is an important social innovation promising the effective protection of the rights of elderly potential research subjects. However, unnecessary elaboration of informed consent procedures may risk excluding older persons from both primary and secondary benefits of the research process. (Author)

Recounts the aftermath of Hurricane Gloria and necessity of frail individuals to be hospitalized for respite care due to loss of home services. Advances a new category of respite care which includes care for losses related to natural disasters. Describes characteristics of individuals requiring such care and specific reasons for their care.…

Examined models for predicting treatment decisions of physicians, nurses, and social workers within acute and long-term care settings. Elicited treatment choices to vignettes regarding decisions to allocate scarce medical resource and to withhold treatment from debilitated patient. Primarily medical factors predicted decision to allocate…

Assessed hearing health knowledge of 336 younger and older adults using the Hearing and Health Inventory. Data analyses revealed serious knowledge deficits regarding hearing aids, communication with the hearing impaired, and the effects of drugs and diseases on hearing. Strategies for developing hearing health education for clients are…

Examined preference of five long-term care arrangements among 1,240 older adults. Respondents most frequently preferred care from relatives or employees in their own homes, and selected moving into relatives' homes least often. Marital status, income, race, and availability of informal support were significantly associated some arrangement…

To sensitize medical students to the complexities of geriatric patient care, the geriatrics faculty of Upstate Medical Center's Clinical Campus developed Geriatrix, a role-playing game. Students attempt to win points in a board game containing Fact, Concept, and Crisis Squares. Crises promote exposure to ethical dilemmas and invite intense debate…

Describes the National Institute on Aging Teaching Nursing Home (TNH) Program, devised to bring to long-term care research and training activities similar to those in teaching hospitals and thus develop an interface between research and practice. Conflicting goals, orientations, organizations, value systems, and practices are discussed. (JAC)

Examines the relationship between ownership type and care offered in 424 old age institutions (OAIs). Analysis revealed that the nonprofit sector allocates more money for direct patient care and as higher staff-patient ratios than proprietary institutions. The results are discussed in relation to previous research. (JAC)

This publication contains abstracts from the 53rd annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. The abstracts are arranged numerically by the session number in which they appear. Several abstracts are listed under each of the 388 sessions. Although the sessions are not limited to one topic, the dominant theme is education concerning all…

Addressed a need for enlargement of music when retirement home residents were deprived of a self-fulfillment opportunity from choir activities due to failing eyesight. A photographic process yielded the needed feasible large reproductions. Innovative application of this technique affords wide-ranging potential for positive benefit beyond music…

Describes the "Peer Support System," which involved older people in the provision of improved mental health services, including education and service identification. The program consisted of recruiting and training 48 peer counselors, and conducting monthly health education workshops. Funded by the Administration on Aging, the project…

Triage is unique because it includes several functions under a single health care delivery model. Clients' morale improved with their sense of control. Family support systems were enhanced. Costs were reasonable as was the reimbursement system. (JAC)