Describes a support program for community-based Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. In addition to joint activities, the family group focuses on the family organization, support networks, feelings, new activities, and making decisions. The patient group provides social and awareness activities. (JAC)

Describes The Road of Life, a board game developed to increase understanding of the experiences of the elderly by simulating the gains and losses of old age. The game, followed by a group discussion, is an effective way to facilitate an increased understanding of old age. (JAC)

Describes Time Off Promotes Strength (TOPS), program for caregivers of Alzheimer's victims which provides in-home and day program services. Explains that, through application of service/training model adapted from Global Deterioration Scale, TOPS maintains high quality of services with limited but highly trained professional staff. (Author/NB)

Describes a research-based self-care health education program for recently widowed people. Program aims to provide a foundation of knowledge, motivation, and encouragement to initiate positive behavioral changes, and to establish a support network. Preliminary analysis suggests the program is achieving many of the intended outcomes. (Author/JDM)

Discusses Project Assist, a project designed to study efficacy of time-limited psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies for experienced and recent caregivers. Claims Project Assist offers psychotherapy that can assist caregivers in separating their own emotions, identity, and well-being from those of care receiver, a process which appears…

Describes several kinds of mutual help groups and two ways to initiate them: (1) through conferences, and (2) through short-term training programs. A substantial need continues for mutual help groups in an era of reduced professional and consumer resources. Research is needed to document their extensiveness, impact and longevity. (JAC)

An educational and support program for families of the mentally impaired aged in both the community and institutions was offered over a three-year period under the auspices of a geriatric center. Benefits for participants and institutional management were demonstrated. (Author)

Describes development and dissemination of Volunteer Information Provider Program (VIPP), an informational sharing program to assist rural family caregivers of older adults, first piloted in Missouri and later disseminated to 20 states. (Author/CM)

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)