Describes Federal legislation that has had an impact on the elderly by funding programs designed to provide enhanced autonomy through community-based health and social services. Deplores the scarcity of such programs and stresses the importance of broader community care for older adults. (Author/GC)

Demonstrates that following termination of treatment, there is little difference between psychiatric subjects treated in institutions and those treated in community-based alternatives. Presents a model for assessing psychiatric treatment effectiveness. Concludes that institutional and community-based alternatives should be viewed as complementary…