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)

This article describes a program which reduced the number of elderly needing hospitalization. A team screening referrals for admission to a state hospital evaluated 434 consecutive cases. Over 51 percent were diagnosed depressed. By treating patients in the community, including brief local hospitalization where indicated, total geriatric…

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.…

The basic supposition of this paper is that older prisoners possessing unique characteristics necessitate a specific program designed to meet their particular needs. The development of an experimental therapeutic program for such older prisoners is described. (Author)

Studied effects on nursing home residents playing a discussion-stimulating board game called "Angels and Devils." Results indicate a high incidence of sensory deprivation and social isolation effects. These do not correlate with length of institutionalization, amount of social contact, or degree of medical restriction. (Author)

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)

Utilizing flexible community-supporting services integrated with a hospital-based program of planned intermittent relief of the patients' supporters, patients (N=50) were maintained in the community at an average cost of 79.5 hospital bed days per patient per annum. The Continuing Care Program is an alternative to institutionalization. (Author)

A behavioral program to train elderly nursing home patients (N=25) in interpersonal skills was systematically developed and evaluated. On a behavioral measure of responses to situations that had been included in training, the Skill Training program was superior to the control conditions. However, learning failed to generalize to novel situations.…

Intended as an illustration of programs, resources, and references for those interested in developing new housing options for older adults, this sourcebook gives examples of existing programs in New York. Following an introductory section, section II provides a profile of older Americans, first in the United States and second, in New York State.…

A special project for aged, hospitalized mental patients, drawing on home economics skills in a team approach to rehabilitation, provides skills training leading to patients' increased capacity for self-care, helps patients transfer from the hospital to some form of community life, and provides follow-up services. (Author/AJ)

Since 1968, the Adopted Grandparents program has been part of the curriculum for pupils enrolled at P. K. Yonge Laboratory School. Residents of a nearby nursing home are "adopted grandparents." The director reports that interaction with the children has had positive effects on the adopted grandparents. The children enjoy the experience. (Author/NG)