Serving refreshments was shown to increase attendance and frequency of interaction in the activity area of a nursing home. Quantitative and qualitative changes in vocal behavior were evaluated. Rates of interaction more than doubled during treatment phases, but ineffective vocal behavior accounted for most of the increase. (Author/JW)

Explains the concept of corporate legal guardianship, which allows a single legal entity to serve as guardian to thousands of clients at one time. Discusses the concept's broad applicability to classes of people other than the developmentally disabled and shows its potential as a unique interdisciplinary approach. (Author/ABB)

Presented is research evidence in support of the use of behavior extinction procedures for mentally handicapped persons in residential treatment situations. (IM)

Discussion of Ralph Nader's Study Group Report on Nursing Homes.'' (SP)

Presents the results of a survey of 30 professionals' attitudes toward referring latency age children to residential treatment programs; how they perceive residential treatment, how they make referral decisions, and how they choose a particular setting. (Author/CM)

Argues that Kohlberg's theory of moral development and his methods of moral education have special relevance to residential treatment because they (1) provide a framework for understanding the moral decision-making process at various levels of development, and (2) encourage child care professionals of any theoretical or clinical persuasion to…

Play group therapy sessions were held in an attempt to improve impulse control; peer, social, and relationship skills; expression of repressed anger; feelings for self; and cooperative play among five latency-aged boys. Many of the goals set for the children in the group were reached. (Author/RH)

Relocation of older patients had a positive effect on hypochondria, stamina, hygiene, and daily functioning but no effect on health status. Self-health assessments, stamina, hypochondria, and hygiene had no effect on the mortality rate of relocated patients, but daily functioning did effect the mortality rate. (Author)

Results of surveys of resident care practices for mentally retarded persons in Somerset indicated that hostel units were resident-oriented in their care practices, whereas hospital units for severely and profoundly mentally retarded people were institution-oriented. (Author)

Describes an educational program that contributed to a 90% reduction in the use of physical restraints in nursing homes over a two-year period. Program consists of a workshop, telephone and on-site consultations, regional meetings, and other support materials. Surveys suggest that the project can be easily adapted by care providers. (RJM)

Describes a research model designed to investigate the shift in the care delivery site from the acute care institution to the home and community. Transitional care may soon become familiar jargon in community health care. (JOW)

This study examined issues of communicative control for residential program staff and eight individuals with deaf-blindness and mental retardation. For six of the subjects, communication was initiated and dominated by others in the environment. Rate of communication with other residents and visitors was extremely low. Implications for…

British residential care staff (n=143) were given scenarios describing tasks they might carry out and asked what would happen if they did or did not do them. Although a majority reported consequences from managers or coworkers, a large minority did not. The tasks for which most reported consequences were administration. (Contains references.)…

This paper reviews the international scientific evidence on the effectiveness of secondary prevention interventions for young drug users. The review provides insight into the effectiveness of interventions that have been evaluated using moderately strong research designs. Most of the studies included are from the United States of America. Some…