Discusses literature on the physician-elderly patient-companion triad and proposes conceptual framework and methodological approach for understanding the companion's presence during the geriatric visit. Suggests agenda for both clinical and social science research. (Author)

Review of literature concerning effectiveness and cost of geriatric day hospitals revealed many descriptive studies and four randomized control studies. Of four studies, one demonstrated credible improvement in physical and emotional function in day hospital versus conventional care control group. Three randomized studies in which costs were…

Evaluated hopelessness, depression, and self-esteem among depressed elderly people (N=78) and developed a Geriatric Hopelessness Scale (GHS). As predicted, elderly subjects who scored high on the GHS showed significantly higher depression and lower self-esteem scores. (JAC)

Administered two scales for the evaluation of depression to two groups of medical inpatients: adults (N=201) and geriatric subjects (N=178). Results confirmed a high presence of depressive symptoms among patients with medical problems, particularly among geriatric subjects. Factors most predictive of depressive symptoms are identified. (JAC)

Interviewed 140 elderly medical patients and found that the measured 22 percent prevalence of mental impairment was not reflected in the patients' utilization of mental health services or in their presenting complaints to their physicians. Subsequent interviews with their physicians revealed inadequate recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of…

Visual functioning, treatment, and helpful low vision aids are discussed in relation to four major eye diseases of the elderly: cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. (KW)

An interview with an elderly person now living in Miami provides valuable insights on some of the problems of organizing for social and political changes and the pressing concerns of senior citizens. (Author/AM)

A Finnish nursing home's team development process included brainstorming on the characteristics of good teams, profiling of team members' nursing skills, analysis of tasks, and identification of ways to improve work quality and information flow to residents. Team building required clarification of work structures, determination of the…

Survey responses from departments of recreation and leisure studies (2000, n=66; 1991, n=81; 1981, n=97) indicated that 61% currently offer gerontology credentials, a slight decline since 1990. Combined undergraduate/graduate courses have increased; separate gerontology options are rare. Despite predictions of population aging, there has been…

Describes the growing population of grandparents raising grandchildren and the environmental contexts of these families. Provides a rationale and teaching strategies for including content on custodial grandparents in courses preparing students for gerontology and geriatrics fields. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

Responses from 159 of 837 health and mental health professionals in Alaska showed the following: (1) 54% said community services for the aging were inadequate; (2) 55% felt health professionals' knowledge of aging was insufficient; and (3) 91.8% needed further training in aging and geriatrics, especially regarding mental health and Alzheimer's…

Evaluated 24 hospital-based case management services. Found that case management could take variety of forms, ranging from postacute medical management service to planning community-based care for potential long-term care users. Future research should concentrate on documenting costs and outcomes of various models of case management in acute care…

The Ohio Valley Appalachia Regional Geriatric Education Center tested a proficiency assessment tool with 779 previous workshop participants (27 percent responded). The instrument successfully identified 10 of 27 predictors of attendance at a geriatrics workshop. (SK)

Presents model for interdisciplinary discharge planning team, with emphasis on functional status and improved coordination and continuity among providers. Describes design and implementation of such a program at university hospital. Explains how model resulted in more patients being discussed and served, with more emphasis on the functional…