Ways to provide the social advantages of the small group home with those of the larger institution are being utilized at one community-based residence serving 40 profoundly and severely mentally retarded children. (DB)

In this exploratory study, 94 elderly persons, in seven senior service centers and one nursing home, were interviewed to identify and ascertain the meaning of cherished possessions in later years. Lack of cherished possessions was associated with low life satisfaction scores, a suggested indicator of poor adjustment to old age. (Author)

The territoriality and aggression of 25 profoundly retarded institutionalized adult males were measured in an examination of potential grouping procedures. (CL)

A program of research on the effects of institutional experience on retarded persons was described and the importance of such research for theory construction, use by clinicians, and construction of social policy was discussed, as was the value of both longitudinal and cross-institutional studies. (Author)

Analyzed 151 behavioral-gerontological research studies published before 1984 and categorized the observation, assessment, or intervention studies. Found that: (1) many studies focused on institutionalized elderly; (2) less than 20 percent of studies focused on observation or assessment; and (3) intervention studies were often problematic. Results…

Describes the philosophy of treatment developed at Brookside Young People's Unit, a second- or third-tier treatment unit for disturbed adolescents. Working as a team, staying with the problem, attending to staff concern, and providing total patient care are discussed. (Author/NB)

Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) ratings by one rater completing the scale were compared with composite ratings by a group of raters, each of whom completed only a portion were compared for 40 retarded persons (ages 10-56). Composite ratings tended to be significantly higher than individual ratings. (Author/DB)

Results of evaluating effects of fenfluramine on 21 maladaptive behaviors in 20 autistic individuals (from 9 to 30 years old) over a 9-month period using a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design indicated no significant reductions in maladaptive behaviors and the presence of negative side effects. (Author/DB)

Nurses (N=227) were surveyed regarding attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about the uses of psychotropic drugs. In general, greater age, male sex, status, and higher qualifications tended to covary and were associated with perception of greater involvement by senior nurses in drug-related decisions for institutionalized retarded persons.…

Behavioral effects of intra-institutional relocation of mentally retarded adults were evaluated over a 12-month period. Clients grouped together on the basis of relatively high levels of aggressive or destructive behavior exhibited an increase in social isolation following relocation. Overall, relocation effects were subtle and individualized in…

Direct care staff were taught via picture programs to transfer nonambulatory, severely mentally retarded men between their beds and wheelchairs. The still color photographs illustrated procedures and the addition of study guide questions increased the program's effectiveness. (Author/DB)

Analyzed health care use in four years prior to death for 4,256 elderly decedents. Found hospital bed use by nursing home residents declined with age and was much lower than for decedents in community. Institutionalized elders were much less likely to die in hospitals than were community elders, particularly very old and longer-term patients.…

Examined difficulty of obtaining valid informed consent from participants in research with older persons. Of 470 nursing home residents asked to participate in nonrisk study, 406 agreed. High consent rate was attributed to perception of research significance, presentation format, and absence of risk or pain. (Author/NB)