Discusses work with small groups of care-taking relatives of frail, dependent older adults. Considers repetitive themes of concern expressed by the caregivers and their dependent relatives and some of the changes in attitudes and approaches of participants during and after the groups' experiences. (Author)

This descriptive study examined reports of behavioral problems among older patients hospitalized in acute care medical settings. Greater numbers of behavioral problems were reported by nursing staff on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire than were documented in medical charts over the same time period. Such underreporting may have…

The Early Alert Alzheimer's Home Screening Test (AHST) is a variant of the Smell Identification Test (SIT) and the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT), and recently became available for purchase by the general public. The validity and the practical utility of routine screening for individuals with asymptomatic cognitive impairment…

Suggests guardianships of the elderly are determined in an informal manner that may not afford the aged the full benefit of due process. Describes a manual to help educate the guardian ad litem about the elderly and about how they can make proceedings more formal and adversarial in nature. (Author/RC)

Describes project helping frail elders to live independently. Describes community forums through which elders engaged in problem solving with health care professionals and policymakers. Notes that, when asked about remaining independent, 102 elders' responses fit into themes: safety; problems communicating with health care providers;…

Describes an ethics case conference, examining its structure and the major topics addressed including, competency, informed consent, placement decisions, right to die issues, ageist biases, hospitalization, quality of life, and entitlement issues. Concludes that the care of older patients, the education of students and trainees interested in aging…

Cognitively impaired elderly are often cared for by their families, but little clinical intervention has been aimed at helping families to cope with behavior problems. Families may benefit from learning behavior management strategies successfully utilized with institutionalized elderly. Several case examples are discussed. (Author/RC)

Harbor Area Adult Day Care Center has operated for two years with a primary purpose of providing respite care to families caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The rationale, history, program, staffing, funding, and experience for the first two years of the project are provided. (Author/RC)

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)

The Cost of Care Index (CCI) has been developed as a case management tool to assist professionals in family assessments and to identify actual or perceived problem areas of families in the care of elderly relatives. The 20-item CCI focuses upon five dimensions related to family care of the elderly. (Author/ABB)