Examined factors that lead to homelessness and shelter placement of seniors. From purposive sample of 475 aged clients of emergency service program, 45 percent of whom had serious housing-related problems, subsample of 115 housing problem cases was investigated. Homelessness was found to be significantly associated with low income, dementia,…

Assessed social service use and need for older persons in an urban area changed through redevelopment. Comparison of those forced to move and a matched group not forced to move showed that through time, nonmovers experienced an increased need for services as redevelopment inflated rents and eroded informal services. (JAC)

Analyzed five-year experience of neighborhood-based, volunteer geriatric health outreach program developed by consortium of health and social agencies. Found outreach program enhanced network of natural community helpers through organized program in which Street Health Workers provided support to older adults and families. (Author)

Examined environmental determinants of neighborhood satisfaction among urban elderly men (N=100). Safety emerged as the major determinant, but its impact on neighborhood satisfaction was lessened when considered in conjunction with housing satisfaction. Urban planners should assign priority to the development of neighborhoods which foster a sense…

Compared support networks of 181 inner-city older Blacks and Whites. Found that both Blacks and Whites in need of help used formal supports. Blacks had more active support networks than Whites despite low incidence of support from spouse and children. Social resources resulted from mechanisms in Black families that expanded network membership…

Project Safety Net identifies low-income urban frail elderly and provides comprehensive geriatric assessment and referral. During 8-month period, 814 older persons were screened including high proportions who were widowed (51%) and who lived alone (66%). Effectiveness of program remains to be determined in randomized clinical trials. (Author/NB)

Reports on acceptance and usage of Lifeline Emergency Alarm system. Found that, once in the system, 88 percent of the frail, urban elderly sampled held positive attitudes. Those who elected to continue service after the demonstration project had more serious medical conditions and an active attitude toward health. (Author/JAC)

Purpose: This article reports on a within-family study to identify factors that lead mothers to expect that a particular child will serve in the role of primary caregiver. Design and Methods: Data for this study were collected by in-person interviews with a representative sample of 566 mothers between the ages of 65 and 75 years residing in the…

Followed 133 elderly residents of mid-Manhattan hotels for 1 year using 19 network variables. Findings confirmed the direct and buffering effects of social networks. Of clinical relevance was the non-linearity of the network effect: Depending on a person's stress level, different network dimensions must be emphasized and strengthened. (Author/NRB)

Interviewed 990 urban elderly Canadians to examine factors influencing the desire for different housing. Results showed that housing conditions, living with children, and sickness influenced the wishes of the elderly to leave home, while functional impairment was not related. (JAC)

Conducted two qualitative studies of African-American grandparents and great-grandparents rearing their grandchildren as consequence of parental drug addiction. Data from 60 grandmothers, grandfathers, and great-grandmothers revealed that only 3 percent received consistent, reliable familial support as surrogate parents. Although respondents found…

Examined how 281 homeless men aged 50 and older living on skid row were able to procure basic necessities such as money, food, shelter, and health care. Found men had and used informal supports to survive. Inability to fulfill needs was primarily associated with physical health, depression, lack of contacts with institutions and agencies, and…

Used interviews and participant observation to obtain an insider's perspective on "helping out" networks of older people in the urban South. Describes the cultural rules directing exchanges of support, and the way older individuals interpret these rules. Reveals the significance of reciprocity for preserving self-esteem. (Author/JAC)