The negative sequelae that relocation to a nursing home has on the elderly is well documented. This study evaluated the effects of stress reduction information on the newly admitted patients' state anxiety based on self-reported distress using the Stresses in Institutional Care Scale. Anxiety was assessed using the Anxiety State Scale of the…

Length of stay in psychiatric inpatient units has received increasing attention with the external pressures for treatment cost-effectiveness and evidence that longer hospital stays do not appear to have significant advantages over shorter hospital stays. This study examined the relationship between length of psychiatric hospital stay and…

This document is an evaluation report on a program in which 288 students aged 6 to 20 received supplementary career education and daily living skills instruction under the ECIA, Chapter 1, Part B Institutionalized Facilities Program. The students resided in 10 institutions for the neglected and delinquent. The evaluation summary states that: (1)…

Although the contributions made by counseling psychologists to nursing homes has been marginal, there are several services that can be provided to long-term care facilities by psychologists. Once familiar with the pattern of nursing home life, the psychologist will be able to provide services indirectly as a consultant or trainer, and directly in…

A special unit within a nursing home for serving residents with dementia was developed and implemented at the Cape Cod Nursing Home in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The purpose of the special unit is to create a structured and protective environment which holistically supports the residents with dementia in achieving their maximum potential. A…

Although researchers have found a correlation between health and social participation, more data are needed to determine the influence of health on the institutionalized elderly's participation. A study was conducted to explore the relationship between the perceived health status of the institutionalized elderly and their social participation. The…

Typically, neuropsychological assessment has been used to predict various diagnostic parameters. In the elderly, referrals are often made to psychologists for the purpose of facilitating diagnosis of psychiatric or organic conditions, such as depression or Alzheimer's disease. However, psychologists are routinely requested to make recommendations…

This information memorandum describes four acts enacted during the 1987-1988 session of the Wisconsin Legislature dealing with mental health issues: (1) 1987 Wisconsin Act 366, relating to commitment standards and procedures for and alternatives to involuntary commitment; (2) 1987 Wisconsin Act 367, relating to outpatient mental health treatment…

Two studies attempted to assess the effect of the mental retardation label on the formation of social impressions in mentally retarded (MR) adults. In the first study, 123 mildly retarded students, half of whom were institutionalized were interviewed and asked to respond to questions about individuals pictured (some of whom were labeled as MR).…

This first section of this paper reviews the literature on the social world of the institutionalized elderly. Social factors contributing to institutionalization are discussed, including the personal and psychological background of residents. Social behavior and the institutional environment are reviewed, focusing on social interactions among…

Patients in long-term care facilities are often moved from one living area to another within an institution. While the staff often consider such moves as part of the daily work load, even intrainstitutional relocation has been observed to have negative consequences for the elderly patient. If staff could identify those patients who might…

The rural black population outside the South is characterized as an extremely small number whose presence is largely adventitious, attracted by circumstances that do not lead to permanent residence. In this population, an extraordinary number live in group quarters rather than households, are military rather than civilian and are in hospitals or…