Recently admitted nursing home residents received a battery of psychological tests and were rated on a number of behavioral indices. Results revealed the morale/anxiety dimension was independent of cognitive competency, internally controlled residents were rated high by others in behavioral competency, and self-rating scales measure something…

Death rates among those referred to project services were lower within the first six months after enrollment, and the mortality rate difference was maintained throughout the first year. Death rate differences were related to specific long-term care services recommended and received, and to initial functional health status. (Author)

A senior center activities program was made accessible to nursing home patients through a project called Centercare. Nursing home patients (N=144) from seven different institutions made 4370 senior center visits over a 33-month period. Project results indicate a senior center can successfully provide the institutionalized elderly with social and…

Discusses the rise in population of Americans over the age of 65, job opportunities available or becoming available in health services areas concerned with older adults, and various training programs (Federal and State) related to working with older adults. (SH)

Provides an overview and discusses some of the implications of the 104th Congress's legislation relating to disability issues. Changes in the federal welfare programs are described as well as passage of legislation dealing with health insurance and reforms, traumatic brain injuries, developmental disabilities programs, and nursing homes.…

Studied 108 adults to investigate the impact of adult attachment to parents, perceived disease severity, and caregiving behaviors, moderated by perceived caregiving adequacy. Results indicate that attachment style and the trait aspect of attachment predicted both aspects of caregiver burden. Attachment preoccupation predicted psychologic…

Analyzed demographic, cancer, physical functioning and psychological data for late-stage cancer, newly admitted nursing home patients (n=90). Concluded that, compared to survivors, those who died within a three-month period more often acknowledged their condition as terminal, anticipated greater environmental stress and adjustment problems and had…

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and components solutions were compared using two balanced self-report item sets. Results suggest that when self-report items are balanced and negatively worded items are not reverse scored, MDS and components solutions can differ largely, due to a component associated with measures of acquiescence. (SLD)

Examines behavioral differences between for-profit (FP) and not-for-profit (NFP) nursing homes. Uses a simultaneous equation model to control for potential endogeneity among system variables, with model parameters estimated using 3SLS. Provides evidence that NFPs provide significantly higher quality care to Medicaid beneficiaries and to self-pay…

Analysis of national medical data identified elderly nursing home residents with an elevated risk of hospitalization and the characteristics of their hospital stays. Findings indicate an elevated risk of hospitalization for residents diagnosed with one of several different primary diagnoses. Infections accounted for over 25% of hospital stays.…

Reanalyzed data from a study on respite care's effects by focusing on the linear relationship between amount of respite use and probability of nursing home placement at the end of the treatment period. Results indicate a significant negative relationship between the amount of respite use and nursing home placement. (RJM)

Examined and documented effects of interactive computer-based education and training on rehabilitation of long-term care residents (n=14). This approach was found to provide mental stimulation and challenge, as well as improving practical skills which directly impact upon competencies and feelings of autonomy of participants. (Author/NB)

Using a social antecedent model of psychopathology, three samples (African Americans, African Caribbeans, Caucasians) were compared. Symptoms of depression, psychoses, and agitation among nursing home patients were studied. Although there were appreciable interracial differences in sociodemographics, there were minimal clinical differences and no…

Reports on a group therapy program designed to enhance self-awareness, self-esteem, and body awareness among the demented elderly. Focuses on techniques of meditation, relaxation, sensory awareness, and guided imagery. Claims that the group is easily reproducible and offers benefits both to nursing home residents and staff. (RJM)

There is a growing need for professional psychology training in nursing home settings, and nursing homes provide a rich environment for teaching geropsychology competencies. We describe the nursing home training component of our Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Predoctoral Internship and Geropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship programs. Our…