Purpose: The aim of this study was to translate the evidence-based Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH) II intervention for use in 4 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). A secondary aim was to examine possible moderators of treatment outcome. Design and Methods: We used a quasi-experimental pre-post treatment design with no…

Survey of sample of members and nine-month study of all members of comprehensive geriatric program at one hospital revealed that surveyed members joined the program for its reasonable cost but continued with it because of good health care. Medical care and no claim forms or bills were two services surveyed members valued and used more. (Author/NB)

Surveyed recent enrollees (n=174) in Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Medicare coverage. Respondents were younger, healthier, and had more education than the general 65+ population; learned about HMOs from family and friends; and joined HMOs because of accessibility and coverage. Expectations about HMO care coverage were very high, raising…

A field study of residents' satisfaction or dissatisfaction with open-ward accomodations in a skilled-nursing facility revealed that 88 percent of the respondents preferred the open ward to any other type of room accomodation. Findings suggest that for residents with multiple functional disabilities, the open ward is a supportive environment.…

Reviews evaluative studies published through 1987 of group intervention programs for family caregivers of older persons. Found no clear link between participant satisfaction and other important caregiver outcomes. Recommends giving more attention to format, content, and approach of intervention strategies used in caregiver support groups.…

Two hospitals have conducted semiannual Town Meeting for Seniors to provide community-based health education, helping seniors make informed decisions about medical care, Medigap insurance, advance directives, and proper nutrition. Town Meeting has been enthusiastically received by consumers and has led to creation of several new community…

Nursing homes in Illinois Quality Incentive Program receive separate bonus payment per Medicaid day for achieving each of six quality standards. Of 809 participating homes (1985-88), over 90 percent of eligible facilities chose to participate annually. Success in achieving bonus payments in multiple standards increased over time, with 27 percent…

A home intervention program was designed for noninstitutionalized elderly women in which they completed a nominal but meaningful task. These women increased their interest in new activities. Simple social visitation to a separate group produced no positive effects and lowered interest in some activities. (Author)

Participants (N=54) of seven eight-week educational/support groups for relatives of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias evaluated the helpfulness of their group experience. The supportive aspects of the group and the information provided about medical and behavioral management of the patient were most highly rated. (Author/NRB)

Compared 16 professional and 16 nonprofessional instructors of "Coping with Depression" classes for elders (N=68) on several outcome measures (including depression, life satisfaction, and frequency of negative thinking). Improvement occurred over time, and no significant differences were found between participants, grouped by leader status. (JAC)

Questions whether role loss significantly influences volunteering, based on data from a sample of 4,339 older adults. Findings suggested that other social characteristics such as socioeconomic status and gender have a greater influence on volunteer patterns. (JAC)

Suggests that work attitudes and the meaning of work are so ingrained in American culture that they carry over to nonwork activities. Proposes that personality influences the relationship between work-leisure meanings. Urges further research on sociological variables. (JAC)

Conducted baseline interviews with 642 caregivers of aged Alzheimer's disease patients, then assigned one-half to formal respite care. Over 12 months, families with respite care maintained Alzheimer's patient significantly longer in community than did caregivers without respite. Respite care was ineffective for caregiver burden and mental health,…

A survey of 137 older persons from the mailing list of a multipurpose senior center found that participants and nonparticipants in the center's activities did not differ in terms of their life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was predicted by the respondents' activity level, financial status, and health status. (Author)

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)