In this Norwegian study, the impact of number of residents with mental retardation on two quality of care measures--deprivatization and self-determination--was analyzed. Results showed that the negative impact of increasing size leveled off at a unit size of about five residents. (Author/DB)

Leisure service providers can help enhance the lives of people with mental retardation. By complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, recreation facilities and services can be designed and structured to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, enhancing their sense of competence and self-determination as…

Evaluation of effects of moving mentally disabled individuals from a British National Health Service hospital into community group homes found much overlap between the institutions' caring routines and practices with the community hostel setting, providing only slightly more opportunities for personal choice, privacy, personalization, integration,…

Explores issues involved in defining, understanding, teaching, and promoting spiritual health, noting the trend to affirm its existence in health education. Spiritual health is becoming increasingly important as a lack of connectedness pervades today's society. Health educators can foster connectedness by developing students' spirituality and…

Examines the importance of leisure education to help older adults gain a leisurely lifestyle to enhance their quality of life. Leisure education helps them redefine recreation, enhance self-esteem, and increase health-promoting attitudes. It involves leisure awareness, social interaction skills development, increasing skills in leisure activities,…

This study examines elderly (60+ years) residents of a community dominated by multistory homes and apartments with stairs. Although stairs presented problems for a substantial minority of residents, most occupants expressed satisfaction with their homes. However, a majority of residents, when questioned further, desired stair-free living in a next…

The complexity of decision making concerning periodontic treatment is discussed, and it is suggested that patient input concerning risks and benefits is important. Research into this area is recommended so that decisions can be based on empirical evidence, not opinion. (MSE)

Examined and documented effects of interactive computer-based education and training on rehabilitation of long-term care residents (n=14). This approach was found to provide mental stimulation and challenge, as well as improving practical skills which directly impact upon competencies and feelings of autonomy of participants. (Author/NB)

Reviews themes developed in the literature on urban-rural migration and articulates emerging research questions that relate to the concept of quality of life. Addresses the implications of quality of life considerations for the decision making of urban-to-rural migrants. Explores changes produced by migration-induced population growth in rural…

Discusses a perceived lack of concern for retired teachers among former students and the community at large. Provides examples and excerpts from letters describing loneliness and financial difficulties among retired teachers in the Soviet Union. Urges respect and concern for those who have given everything for their profession, often at the…

Evidence indicates that subjective quality-of-life scales developed by N. M. Bradburn (1969) and by A. Campbell, P. Converse, and W. Rodgers (1976) can be as sensitive as physiological measures in distinguishing among medical treatment groups. These scales can complement more objective measures of patient status. (SLD)

Two adults and two children with severe disabilities and challenging behaviors participated in the Lifestyle Development Process, in which a planning process was implemented to develop a vision of a quality life, remediate barriers to participation, and develop intervention strategies. All participants increased their number of preferred,…

The study examined decision making among 190 informal caretakers of people with a mental handicap (ages 2-62) in North Wales. Results of discriminant analysis suggested the importance of social support, socioeconomic class, and subjective well-being as predictors of decision-making strategies. (DB)

This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…

Conducted comparative case study of organizational climates in two prisons Findings from 149 staff members and 442 inmates revealed that flattening organizational structure without decentralizing authority seemed to have negative effects on staff supervisory relations and job satisfaction. Inmates reported better quality of life and more effective…