The aging population of the world has dramatically been increasing thereby creating the need to assess and address the emotional feelings of the elderly. The intent of this qualitative study was to capture the essence or the lebenswelt of the Filipino elderly's sense of belongingness. This was accomplished by capitalizing on the power of conscious…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nursing home staffing level, care received by individual residents, and resident quality-related care processes and functional outcomes. Design and Methods: Nurses recorded resident care time for 5,314 residents on 156 units in 105 facilities in four states (Colorado,…

The neuropathological correlates of suicide in older persons have received little research attention. Our recent study of elderly suicide victims from an Australian forensic medicine department (n = 143), unlike a previous case-control study, did not find an increased prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older persons who committed suicide…

A major demonstration and evaluation project was undertaken to study the consequences of using incentive payments to change admission, discharge, and outcome patterns for Medicaid patients in nursing homes. Thirty-six proprietary, Medicaid-certified, skilled nursing homes in San Diego County with a combined Medicaid inpatient census of…

With improvements in medical technology and an increase in life expectancy, there also has been a substantial increase in the number of individuals with chronic diseases. The chronically ill elderly, who absorb an ever-growing proportion of our public and private resources, are of particular concern. This study analyzes findings from a major…

Michigan physicians (N=930) were asked whether they made nursing home visits and if not, why not. A typology was developed to differentiate among various physician types based on reasons given. Six physician types were found, each identified with a different policy lever that could be used to encourage them to treat nursing home patients. (Author)

Assessed the widely accepted estimate that an elderly individual faces a 25-percent risk of institutionalization in a long-term care facility. Using national data and a life table method of estimation, it is shown that the elderly individual's risk of institutionalization approaches and may exceed 50 percent. (JAC)

Describes an experiment in the use of art classes as a stimulus to participation and enjoyment in a home for the elderly. (JOW)

Various staff behaviors in nursing home were sampled 7 times a day, 5 days a week over 37 months and were coded separately for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nurses' aides (NAs). Found LPNs displayed significantly more patient care behaviors and NAs significantly more nonwork behaviors than other nursing staff. RNs…

Examined special nursing home units for patients with Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type using published and unpublished reports, as well as policy manuals, and personal observations. Identified critical dimensions on which these units can differ. Discusses heterogeneity of these units. (Author/ABL)

Although many elderly people live for years in nursing homes, death certificates routinely obliterate nursing home residence. Data from records of 1 proprietary nursing home showed that of 128 residents, from 45 percent to 66 percent could be classified as permanent residents, depending on definition. Death certificates for those 128 residents…

Nurses (N=30) employed in nursing homes were trained as Geriatric Nurse Practitioners and then implemented their new clinical roles as direct employees of the original facility. Results showed the nurses, their directors, and administrators perceived the nurses as having positive effects on resident outcomes, but described difficulties in…

Discusses the past, present, and future of the use of nursing homes as teaching sites. Suggests that teaching nursing homes must provide state-of-the-art care while avoiding the pitfalls that threaten academic hospitals; balance must be maintained between the benefits of teaching and the burdens placed on patients and staff. (JOW)

Reviewed 19 studies of psychotropic drug use for residents of long-term care facilities, published between 1978 and 1990. Compared each study in terms of sample, research design, and findings. Found that substantial proportion of nursing home residents took psychotropic drugs on regular, long-term basis; usage was accompanied by prescribing and…

Used content analysis of elderly nursing home residents' statements to describe their perceptions of communication rules and beliefs that regulate their talking. Collected data by using role-play interview technique. Perceived communication rules and self-regulatory beliefs identified by residents were found to inhibit them from talking with one…