In response to the need for an increase in services directed specifically to the elderly, a training and educational needs assessment of the existing elder service organizations in Lake County (Illinois) was conducted. Thirteen gerontological organizations were chosen for participation; the organizations were categorized into these groups: nursing…

This paper offers advice, from members of People First, concerning the process of having individuals with disabilities move out of institutions and nursing homes into community living arrangements. The first section lists categories of questions that express the potential concerns and worries of people who are going to move, such as "Why do…

Elective off premises activities of 65 functionally mobile patients in two nursing homes were studied for a six-month period. More intact patients engaged in a greater frequency of off premises outings. Thus, in-house recreational activities in a long-term care setting should be geared to the more deprived intellectually impaired patient…

Operant principles were used to design an activity for a group of handicapped, elderly women in a home for the aged; the activity was monitored to study its impact on their levels of participation and social interaction. Results are described. (Author)

The earnings of 211,000 full-time workers in nursing homes and related facilities were surveyed and analyzed. Of 20 metropolitan areas surveyed, New York reported the highest pay scale. (MW)

A study reviewed materials on the elderly as volunteers and volunteer work with the elderly from five databases: Sociological Abstracts, PsychInfo, Health Planning and Administration, ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), and the GPO (Government Printing Office) Monthly Catalog (government publications). Some of the findings of the…

When elderly persons can no longer care for themselves, they usually have only two primary options: care at home by unpaid relatives or high cost care in a nursing home; it is clear, then that a new system is needed that will offer older people more options. This report presents the major policy questions America faces in the search for a better…

International sources suggest that Australian human service agencies must implement meaningful processes to meet increasing demands for accountability in service delivery. The development of adequate services for the disabled in Australia is influenced by the principles of normalization--the use of culturally valued means in order to enable,…

The negative sequelae that relocation to a nursing home has on the elderly is well documented. This study evaluated the effects of stress reduction information on the newly admitted patients' state anxiety based on self-reported distress using the Stresses in Institutional Care Scale. Anxiety was assessed using the Anxiety State Scale of the…

Although the contributions made by counseling psychologists to nursing homes has been marginal, there are several services that can be provided to long-term care facilities by psychologists. Once familiar with the pattern of nursing home life, the psychologist will be able to provide services indirectly as a consultant or trainer, and directly in…

A special unit within a nursing home for serving residents with dementia was developed and implemented at the Cape Cod Nursing Home in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The purpose of the special unit is to create a structured and protective environment which holistically supports the residents with dementia in achieving their maximum potential. A…

This document addresses the dilemma faced by families with an aging or disabled member and the stress associated with the role of family caregiver. Emotions experienced by family caregivers, especially when the caregiver is an adult child caring for an elderly or frail parent, are discussed and feelings of desertion, dependence, and sibling…

Although researchers have found a correlation between health and social participation, more data are needed to determine the influence of health on the institutionalized elderly's participation. A study was conducted to explore the relationship between the perceived health status of the institutionalized elderly and their social participation. The…

The rapid growth of the proprietary sector in the provision of social services traditionally administered under non-profit or government auspices creates a problem and challenge for teachers of social policy. Instructors need to interpret this new trend, without much literature support, to a group of students with increasing potential for…

This first section of this paper reviews the literature on the social world of the institutionalized elderly. Social factors contributing to institutionalization are discussed, including the personal and psychological background of residents. Social behavior and the institutional environment are reviewed, focusing on social interactions among…