Examined the prevalence and nature of grief in response to patient suffering, loss, or death among healthcare workers. Skilled nursing facility personnel remembered experiencing bereavement in response to crises of their geriatric patients. Mourning occurred among virtually all general hospital personnel who usually serve younger patients. (Author)

Indirect self-destructive behavior (ISDB) is associated with direct suicide potential, dissatisfaction with the treatment program and with life in general, confused reasoning and judgment, poor prognosis for discharge, the absence of religious commitment, and significant losses in the patient's life. ISDB is an alternative form of suicide. (Author)

This exploratory study examines relative effects of individual, client, and organizational characteristics on stereotypes of the aged held by nursing home administrators. Data from 45 administrators suggest client characteristics may be more important than personal or organizational dimensions in explaining variation in perceptions of the aged.…

Although their structures and objectives vary considerably Geriatric Assessment Units (GAUs) are generally designed to assess elderly patients' medical and psychosocial problems, to determine optimal placement, and often to provide therapy and rehabilitation. Offers a framework for examining structural and outcome variables for GAUs. (Author)

Studied interactions between 40 elderly nursing home residents and their social partners. Results showed discrepant social contingencies for different resident behaviors, i.e., dependent self-care behaviors received continuous supportive responses, where independent self-care behaviors, obstructively engaged and nonengaged behaviors received no…