This study evaluated the effectiveness of advanced illness care teams (AICTs) for nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The AICTs used a holistic approach that focused on four domains: (1) medical, (2) meaningful activities, (3) psychological, and (4) behavioral. The authors recruited 118 residents in two nursing homes for this study and…

Examining the social context within which illness, hospitalization, and convalescence or adaptation occur permits recognition of the alternatives for creative intervention, and provides a framework for understanding the intrinsically disruptive nature of discharge from an acute care setting as well as the dangers and possibilities for change.…

Describes a program aimed at adult children of aged parents who are in conflict about whether to institutionalize their aged and/or ill parents. A series of six family life education classes enabled group members to share anxieties and concerns with one another, while learning more about institutional services. (Author/PC)

Describes the Family Support Group model which reinforces the ongoing importance of families and helps individual family members learn to maintain a key role in linking institutionalized relatives to their past lives. Helps family members learn what they can do to expedite adjustment and advocate effectively for their relative's care. (LLL)

Describes a group therapy program for nursing home residents suffering from senile dementia which concentrates on techniques that help individuals with impaired communication to interrelate successfully. Principles of ego-supportive group therapy sessions are discussed. A case study is included. (NRB)

Examines the interaction between caseworker, caretaker, and client in foster care placement of the elderly and offers suggestions for strengthening the worker's role. Interaction between caseworker, caretaker, and client needs strengthening. Caseworkers need a sound understanding of their own role and of the expectations held by agency, caretaker,…

Examines some of the difficulties encountered when elderly married couples apply for admission to an institution. (HMV)

Describes qualitative research conducted at a Navajo Nation nursing home in Arizona. Events and circumstances resulting in nursing home placement are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes. Provides overview of Navajo history and traditions. Discussion stresses importance of acknowledging and acting on significance of culture in all aspects…