Administrative staff (N=49) of not-for-profit nursing homes identified 103 autonomy-enhancing programs for mentally impaired. Programs were encompassed within six categories: special resident programming, structural and environmental adaptations, staff training, family programming, staff deployment, and ethics initiatives. (Author/NB)

Presents an activity program in which nursing home residents utilized their life experiences to teach an oral history class to third-grade students. The program resulted in improved self-esteem among the nursing home residents and heightened community understanding and involvement. (Author/JAC)

Studied the use of computer games with a group of 50 frail elderly nursing home residents. Four computer games were especially modified for this population. Moderate mental and physical impairments did not hamper the residents, who indicated the games were fun, challenging, and improved self-esteem. (JAC)

The underlying goal of design proposals for local (public) authority homes for old people--minimizing residents' dependence on staff--is outlines, as are physical features of institutional accommodation held to counter fulfillment of the goal. How these issues and the related goal of independence have influenced design proposals is described.…

This paper discusses the rationale for initiating group psychotherapy and a group program for the elderly in a private psychiatric hospital setting. The problems encountered and solutions found for patients, group therapists, and attending psychiatrists, and the therapeutic value of group therapy for the elderly psychiatric patient are examined.…

Restoration of a major social role to institutionalized aged through a program of social interaction and socialization with adult mentally retarded is described and evaluated. The over-all findings encourage this innovative opportunity for institutionalized aged. (Author)

Examined the effects of a training program for geriatric staff designed to reduce the functional dependency of targeted health-related facility residents. Results indicate dependency was reduced and independence increased by training staff in the principles of behavior analysis focusing on cognitive and attitudinal restructuring. (Author/RC)