The need for evidence-based non-pharmacological community programs to improve care of older adults with dementia is self-evident, considering the sheer numbers of affected individuals; the emotional, physical, and financial toll on affected individuals and their caregivers; the impact on our health care system; and the growing availability of…

Describes the development of a mobile geriatric outreach team. The importance of thorough, interdisciplinary assessment and the offering of active, brief psychotherapy are stressed. Community education programs and consultations to the aging network reach the senior community and other referral sources. Preliminary program evaluation data are…

Better Jobs Better Care was the nation's largest single initiative created to reduce the high vacancy and turnover rates of direct care workers and improve workforce quality through both policy and practice changes. In this article, we describe the important role and key characteristics of direct care workers, what motivated the unique partnership…

Describes the intergenerational Adults' Health and Developmental Program. A survey conducted at the end of the AHDP found that over 80 percent of the sample perceived improvement in personal health, well-being, body image, physical efficiency, intellectual stimulation, and staff-member intimacy. Results are discussed in terms of ongoing sequential…

Describes the growth and development of the first seven replications of the On Lok model operating as sites in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Comparisons among these sites and with On Lok are presented in the areas of organizational structure, client characteristics, approaches to case management, service delivery…

Describes the Southeast-Bayview Mental Health Center Geriatric Services Unit, which provides a comprehensive mental health program for the elderly of San Francisco. The program emphasis is on crisis intervention, with reliance on home visits and follow-up services as well as screening and referral. (JAC)

Describes the first 16 months of operation of a nursing home based community-oriented rehabilitation unit that utilized an interdisciplinary team approach in its admission evaluation and in its patient management decision making. Of the 27 patients discharged to homes, 23 were still in their homes after an average post-discharge period of eight…

Results indicate that costs of the rehabilitation center can be counted in dollars saved by keeping the patient at home instead of in the hospital. Treatment effectiveness, social improvement of patients, and benefits to family and friends cannot be counted in monetary terms. (JAC)

Describes a 9-month intergenerational program designed to establish a more intimate involvement between a group of 25 fourth graders and 25 elderly volunteers from Senior Neighbors, a multipurpose senior citizens center. Presents the format used to organize the project and identifies ongoing activities and program benefits. (Author/PVV)

Describes On Lok, a long-term care approach which has assumed responsibility for providing all services needed by a functionally dependent adult population. Based on the first two years of operation, descriptive data on the service system, its development, participants served, services given, and costs are presented and interpreted. (JAC)

Describes a nutrition education program for the elderly in which 22 older adults were recruited and trained as peer educators to create interest in nutrition and serve as liaisons between peers and sound sources of nutrition information. Participants (N=933) reported that sessions were interesting and provided useful information. (Author/JAC)

Cost effectiveness of the program cannot be accurately determined. Assessment is based on actual self-care rather than proving poverty. A flexible approach is taken toward disability level and family support. States should keep community care flexible and available at acceptable cost. (JAC)

Describes outreach program to deliver mental health services to mentally ill older adults in Baltimore County, Maryland. Incorporating prevention and early intervention strategies, program targets older adults with late-onset or previously undiagnosed psychiatric histories. Explains how services are provided through one-third/one-third/one-third…

Night shift nursing home aides who received in-service training in behavior therapy designed and implemented intervention programs for two of their most difficult residents. Describes programs and their outcomes. Discusses use of staff members as agents of behavior change. (Author/NB)

Describes a unified, statewide effort to increase outreach activities targeted to ethnic minority families with a demented relative. Provides data demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs. (SNR)