This reference book, which is part of an occupational series focusing on a broad range of employment opportunities in the field of elder care services, contains 33 chapters of information on the characteristics, needs, and problems of elderly adults. The following topics are discussed: understanding the elderly in the United States; services and legislation for the elderly; job opportunities in services for the elderly; employee qualifications; physical, emotional, mental, and social needs of the elderly; housing considerations of the elderly; transportation; the elderly in the marketplace; frauds, gyps, and deceptions; clothing needs; nutrition, menus and diets, mealtimes, exercise, hobbies and activities, and educational activities for the elderly; sanitation; safety; preventive health measures and signs of illness; vital health signs; first aid; terminal illness; body mechanics; planning and managing household tasks; energy; bed making; bathing; grooming; dressing assistance and self-help dressing aids; and the special role of caregivers. Included in each chapter are the following: list of essential elements, objectives to achieve, points to remember, words to know, and review. A subject index, 21 references, and a table cross-referencing the book's chapters to the required essential elements and correct codes for documentation as listed in the Texas Administrative Code are also included. (MN)