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)

An intensive 3-year program provided cross-national training in holistic care for European nursing home staff. Data from 38 teachers and 57 students indicated that the goals of transcultural awareness, skill development, and increased knowledge were achieved. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Examined attitudes of elderly acute-care hospital patients (N=264) concerning discharge planning. Respondents varied in their reactions to discharge planning and degree to which they exerted final control over decision. Perceived lack of control was associated with posthospital psychological distress for patients with high levels of internal locus…

Examination of hospitalizations for 5,854 elderly adults for 1980, 1985, and 1987 revealed significant increases in 60-day mortality and nursing home transfers after Medicare's Prospective Payment System began and hospital stays were shortened. Increases were largely explained by differences in risk factors other than length of stay (age, gender,…

Conducted interviews with 332 intellectually intact residents in 54 nursing homes to study their patterns of interpersonal relationships with staff, other residents, and family and friends outside the home. Results indicated importance of having a close friend for residents' participation in activities, life satisfaction, and nursing home…

Bureau of Labor Statistics' data show that the incidence rate of 15 workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time nursing home workers is well above that for private industry as a whole. Back injuries are most frequently reported. Short tenure and high turnover are correlated with health and safety problems. (SK)

Examined the perceptions and social interactions of patients (n=20) and staff after introducing a resident dog to a nursing home. Results showed a significant increase of interactive behaviors for both staff and residents after 6 weeks. After 22 weeks, behavior for residents had reverted to base-line levels. (Author/BHK)

Used ethnographic data to examine personal and work worlds of nurse's aides. Concludes that, because nursing home's institutional culture often adds to adversity of their personal life, nurse's aides move between the two milieus in self-perpetuating negative cycle, carrying to bedside of elderly residents the affective and psychological burden…

Studied prior planning for and problems associated with evacuation of 1,860 nursing home patients in Pinellas County, Florida, due to Hurricane Elena in 1985 through questionnaires administered to nursing home administrators and public documents. Found most serious problems to be transporting patients to shelters in timely fashion, delayed passage…

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)

Used medico-social analytic model to compare five long-term care programs: Skilled Nursing Facility-Intermediate Care Facility (SNF-ICF) homes, ICF homes, foster homes, day hospitals, and home care. Identified similarities and differences among programs. Preliminary findings suggest that model is useful in the evaluation and design of long-term…

Surveys of 169 nursing students before and after a practicum in a nursing home showed that two-thirds enjoyed the practicum, 30% would really like working with the elderly, and the proportions changed little because of the practicum. Direction of change on five descriptors of the elderly was negative and on two descriptors was positive. (SK)

Assessed impact of relocation on health and well-being of 196 nursing home residents who relocated to new facility. Relocated residents participated in program to enhance sense of control and predictability over move. Analyses of medical records, nurses' ratings, and interviews strongly suggest that move had no negative effect on residents as…

Describes political and social action group of cognitively intact nursing home residents, organized in response to residents' desire to work on social issues and coordinated by recreational therapist who expected participation to maximize residents' autonomy and sense of control. Benefits mentioned by participants included opportunity to…

Nursing home social workers (n=152) and administrators (n=231) rated relative importance of resident and family psychosocial needs and frequency of function performed or expected to be performed by social workers. Both groups rated as very important needs of support during transition to nursing home, help in dealing with loss, and help with…