Availability of nursing home beds was a strong predictor of institutional care. Higher rates of community care occurred where there were greater expenditures for protective, legal, chore, day care and social/recreation services and, in which there were more older persons in poverty and fewer women working. (Author)

Describes a study designed to identify the specific needs (as identified by administrators and charge nurses) of nurses' aides and to determine the appropriateness for inclusion in an inservice training program. (WL)

For six weeks, 25 Connecticut seventh graders interviewed senior citizens from a nearby assisted-independent-living facility. By celebrating their senior partners' life experiences, students formulated a better understanding of major events in 20th century American history. During the fifth and sixth weeks, students shared something from their own…

Argues that nursing home mental health counselors should address nursing home residents' need for assistance in conflict resolution, having meaningful social interactions, and in developing and maintaining feelings of self-worth. Describes benefits of group therapy approach using life review format to help build basic trust and feelings of…

Methods of using simplified time series analysis (STSA) in evaluating clinical programs are discussed. STSA assists in addressing problems of attrition/augmentation of subjects in programs with changing populations. Combining individually calculated "C" statistics in a simple aggregate analysis of restraint usage by nursing home staff…

Investigated effects of environmental changes on functioning of 134 nursing home residents relocated to new facility, in comparison with 145 nonrelocated residents of a similar facility. Found that physical functioning and orientation were not affected by relocation. Stabilizing effect on mood, relative increase in withdrawn behavior, and decline…

Tested 502 skilled nursing facility residents within 4 weeks of admission, then 3 and 12 months later, to determine impact of deciding and wanting to make move on well-being and adjustment. Examined physical, social, and psychological functioning; social interaction; activity; satisfaction with services; and discharge. Findings suggest interactive…

Young (n=80) and older (n=71) adults evaluated speakers in taped conversation of secondary baby talk or neutral variant addressed to elderly resident in nursing home by nurse or volunteer. Caregivers who used baby talk were rated as significantly less respectful and competent than peers in neutral condition; no differences were observed for…

Interviews with a random sample of 1,598 persons aged 65 years and older in 1975 with followups in 1984 provide information about the distribution between community and institutional care of urban elderly in Cleveland (Ohio). Support factors that enable persons to remain in the community are identified. (SLD)

Community service links the school with society and should be part of the middle-level curriculum. Ediger's article describes three sixth-grade community service projects involving a nursing home entertainment program, the police department, and a trash-awareness project. Hamilton and Hanna describe a "points of light" project involving…

Longitudinal study of newly admitted nursing home residents (n=50) revealed that perceived control over relocation decision had positive effects on health during first month of residency but negative effects on health and morale between second and fourth months. Acceptance of relocation had positive effects on health and morale between second and…

Surveyed nursing home administrators (n=124) to determine mental health problems of residents, mental health issues of staff, mental health professionals used as consultants, and intervention programs to improve mental health environment of facilities. Results identified combative and demanding behaviors, depression, and confusion as difficult…

Notes that Denmark and Sweden have achieved reduction in institutionalization of elderly individuals by increasing home care and housing with services and adaptation. Describes innovative model of nursing home care in Denmark--a self-care model that fosters independent living and decision making as long as possible. (Author/NB)

"Schools and Businesses Need to Work together to Close the 'Job Skills Gap'" (Cortina) discusses Los Angeles efforts to implement recommendations of the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. "Employer-Sponsored Education Is a Win-Win Situation for Both Businesses and Employees" (Lipshutz) describes a…

Reports on the prevalence of behavior disorders in a sample of residents (N=360) in adult day health care programs. Findings indicate relatively high rates of behavior disorders. Most prevalent were the affective disorders (seeking reassurance, depression, crying) and verbal-vocal agitation. Differences between formal and informal caregivers'…