MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Applied Gerontology' source. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:21:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360839&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F251%3Frss%3D1 Although the anxiolytic effect of acute exercise is well established, there is little understanding regarding whether this effect differs across age. The purpose of this investigation was to compare anxiolytic effects of acute exercise in older versus younger volunteers. Older (n = 32, aged 59-75 years) and younger (n = 45, aged 18-30 years), aerobically fit volunteers were assessed. On 3 consecutive days, participants ran/walked for 60 min at 65% to 75% of heart-rate reserve. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y1) was administered 5 min before and 20 min after each exercise bout. Mean state anxiety before and after exercise was analyzed by repeated measures age-by-gender-by-time ANOVA. A significantly greater anxiolytic effect of exercise in the older versus younger parti... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360839 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360838&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F231%3Frss%3D1 The relationship between the occurrence of falls and the expectations older adults have about making future residential moves is examined in this research. Data from the 2002 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) are used to analyze self-reported probabilities of moving among a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and older. The results show that falls were predictive of anticipation of housing relocation as indicated by more than 50% reported probability of moving within the next 2 years. The results suggest that consideration of housing relocation is greater among older adults who experience tangible events indicative of a trajectory of deteriorating health. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360838 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360837&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F215%3Frss%3D1 Nursing home administrators’ retention rate continues to be a serious problem. One factor potentially affecting administrator turnover that has received minimal research attention is the nursing home regulatory process. Using a random start systematic sample of 135 nursing home administrators, this study explores whether regulatory process perceptions, survey performance (number of deficiency citations on last survey), and demographic or facility variables are associated with job satisfaction and job seeking. Multivariate analyses revealed three main findings: (a) an overall positive perception of the survey process was a significant predictor of administrator job satisfaction and job seeking, (b) survey performance outcomes were not related to administrator job satisfaction, and (c)... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360837 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360836&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F196%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors examine the impact of a workforce intervention program (Workforce Improvement for Nursing Assistants: Supporting Training, Education, and Payment for Upgrading Performance [WIN A STEP UP]) on turnover rates of direct care workers in nursing homes. Using data collected yearly between 2002 and 2006 from 405 nursing homes in North Carolina, the authors employ random effects modeling to predict a dichotomous outcome of "above-average" versus "below-average" turnover. Results indicate that nursing homes participating in the WIN A STEP UP program are 15% more likely to have below-average turnover than are nonparticipating nursing homes. Organizational factors such as ownership type and Medicaid participation also influenced turnover, whereas labor market factors had no... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360836 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360835&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F180%3Frss%3D1 The study explored determinants of depressive symptoms among 297 Hispanic older adults living in public housing (Mage = 76.0, SD = 7.74). Following a basic stress model, the focus was on the effects of demographic variables, risk factors (functional disability, self-perceived health, and acculturation), and social resources (network of relatives and network of friends). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that financial status, which was a significant predictor in the initial model, became non-significant when risk factors were taken into consideration. All three risk factors were found to be significant; depressive symptoms were predicted by greater levels of functional disability, more negative self-perceived health, and lower levels of acculturation. In the final model, networks o... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360835 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360834&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 India is experiencing accelerated demographic transition. The country will face the challenge of dealing with problem of population aging in the coming decades. Amidst socioeconomic consequences, health risks among older adults are rising rapidly especially on account of noncommunicable diseases. Given such background, this study assesses the pattern of disease burden, health care utilization, and their covariates for older adults in two selected states based on the 60th round of National Sample Survey (NSSO) data. The states in focus are Maharashtra, the state ahead in demographic transition, and Uttar Pradesh, the state lagging in this process. Correspondingly, the overall prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is higher in Maharashtra compared with Uttar Pradesh. Multivariate logistic r... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360834 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360833&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F143%3Frss%3D1 The idea of "public social science" has emerged in recent academic literature. Advocates describe it as a renewed scholar activism aimed at reigniting academia’s social consciousness and direct engagement with pressing social issues and causes. While the authors acknowledge that gerontology already possesses an applied focus that includes concerted and practical efforts for welfare and justice, they add that any "public gerontology" would have to go one step further by engaging with issues on the international stage, and that impact significantly on the world’s least advantaged peoples and places. As an illustration, they focus on the crisis of African grandmothers raising AIDS orphans. They describe the severity of the situation, the work of agencies, and some possible approac... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360833 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195375&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F129%3Frss%3D1 Despite known adverse effects, sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) are widely used in institutional settings serving the elderly. Using a 2 (Intervention, Control) x 3 (Baseline, Intervention, Withdrawal) mixed design with random assignment to the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 13) group, the authors sought to determine if a nonpharmacological sleep intervention (massage at bedtime) could reduce "as-needed" SHD (PRN-SHD) usage. Each phase of this pilot lasted 7 days and PRN-SHD usage was monitored via chart review. Results, indicating a 13% greater reduction in requests for PRN-SHD for the intervention group when it received massage, approached statistical significance for the quadratic planned comparisons (p = .17) despite limited power (.28) for the observed effect size of .07. While p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195375 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195374&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F107%3Frss%3D1 This study builds on the current body of knowledge about turnover among RN supervisors in nursing homes. The article discusses a survey of RN nurse supervisors administered in more than 1,000 nursing homes that was merged with the 2003 Texas Medicaid cost report and the area resource file. Two 2-stage models are developed to predict RN turnover rates. RNs’ intent to leave predicts RN turnover through job satisfaction, perceived empowerment, and education level. High LVN and CNA turnover and high Medicare census are associated with higher turnover. Implications are that participation in management decisions and perceived wage competitiveness are an important determinant of RN retention in nursing homes. Future research should focus why RN supervisors with higher levels of education le... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195374 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195373&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F89%3Frss%3D1 The goals of this study are to provide national estimates of turnover and retention for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants in nursing homes, and to examine the associations between management tenure, organizational characteristics, local economic conditions, turnover, and retention. The 2004 National Nursing Home Survey is used as the primary source of data. The annualized turnover rate is found to be the highest among certified nursing assistants at 74.5%, followed by registered nurses at 56.1%, and licensed practical nurses at 51.0%. National retention rates reveal that between 62.5% and 67.3% of nurses have been employed at the same organization for more than one year. Director of nursing tenure, registered nurse hours per patient day, and cer... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195373 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195372&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F70%3Frss%3D1 This study explores self-reported transportation difficulty among rural older adults, using data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging for community-dwelling participants (255 Black and 259 White) residing in rural areas. The authors examine the relationship of predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and measures of need for care with self-reports of transportation difficulty. Blacks report having more transportation difficulty than Whites (24.7% vs. 11.6%; p < .05). When the authors introduce other variables, race differences disappear, but there is a race-by-income interaction with transportation difficulty. Whites with lower incomes are more likely to have transportation difficulty than Whites with higher incomes. When data from Blacks and Whites are a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195372 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195371&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F48%3Frss%3D1 Using the stress and coping model, this article explores how older adults prepared for and coped with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Interviews with a sample of 122 displaced adults, 60 years of age or older, provided insights regarding the daily hassles they faced that included securing basic resources, facing communication difficulties, and finding transportation. Positive thinking, modified thinking, staying busy, and spirituality were categories that emerged from the qualitative analysis of 119 participants and explained coping by displaced older adults. Our findings reflect what and how older adults coped with a disaster and have implications for disaster preparedness. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195371 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195370&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F21%3Frss%3D1 There have been many tests of Karasek’s demand—control model of work stress. However, no studies have examined how the model may differentially apply to older versus younger workers. Due to age changes in cognitive processing, the psychological demands of jobs may interact differently with controls for younger versus older workers. Therefore, the study uses data from the Eurobarometer to examine how the demand—control model of work stress may function differently for older versus younger workers. The results indicate that different controls may in fact buffer different types of job demands for younger versus older workers. The findings reveal that only the interaction between problem solving and time to complete tasks was significant for younger workers. For older workers... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195370 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195369&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 This article aims at providing an overview of patterns, potentials, and limitations of formal volunteering among older Europeans. Based on data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we first describe cross-national variations in formal voluntary engagement and report on recent research investigating societal determinants of volunteering. We then discuss general issues related to policies and programs promoting older people’s voluntary engagement. This is complemented by some critical remarks on the current "productive aging" debate in Europe. Pointing out limitations of volunteering in the older population, we conclude by suggesting a broad concept of aging, which encompasses both productive and consumptive elements, as an appropriate model for our ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195369 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3127656&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F768%3Frss%3D1 Due to a production error, this article was published online and listed in the printed journal’s table of contents but did not appear in the issue. To remedy this, the article has been removed from the December 2009 online issue and will now appear in the February 2010 print and online issues. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3127656 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 3127656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990647&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F768%3Frss%3D1 Despite known adverse effects, sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) are widely used in institutional settings serving the elderly. Using a 2 (Intervention, Control) x 3 (Baseline, Intervention, Withdrawal) mixed design with random assignment to the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 13) group, the authors sought to determine if a nonpharmacological sleep intervention (massage at bedtime) could reduce "as-needed" SHD (PRN-SHD) usage. Each phase of this pilot lasted 7 days and PRN-SHD usage was monitored via chart review. Results, indicating a 13% greater reduction in requests for PRN-SHD for the intervention group when it received massage, approached statistical significance for the quadratic planned comparisons (p = .17) despite limited power (.28) for the observed effect size of .07. While p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990647 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990646&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F743%3Frss%3D1 This study examines how working memory ability in older women is related to wayfinding performance in the presence of salient (distinctive, prominent) or nonsalient cues. The degree of salient cue complexity is also examined, thus leading to the hypothesis that salient, complex cues are important in wayfinding and that working memory capacity is related to wayfinding performance. The virtual computer-generated arena is used to test this hypothesis in 20 healthy older women in three different environmental cue conditions varying in salience and complexity. Data analyses indicate that older women perform best in salient cue conditions. A greater working memory capacity is related to improved performance in the nonsalient cue condition. These findings offer preliminary evidence that cue salie... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990646 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990645&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F723%3Frss%3D1 This article explores how registered nurses (RNs) in long-term care (LTC) understand their role as charge nurses. Data are derived from 16 charge nurses employed in 8 facilities in Ontario, Canada. Qualitative methods are used to analyze audiotapings of interviews. The findings reveal a range of dimensions and subdimensions. Charge nurses experience their work as highly complex and unpredictable. Themes that captured the following dimensions of the supervisor role in LTC include (a) against all odds, getting through the day; (b) stepping in work; and (c) leading and supporting unregulated care workers. In addition, analysis within each category reveals a complex intersection between the nurses’ perceptions of the context and their consequent work strategies. The emerging demands plac... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990645 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990644&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F702%3Frss%3D1 This study fleshes out a more thorough critique of the sociopolitical contexts surrounding the successful aging paradigm so that it can help renew and expand existing critiques. The authors conclude that researchers need to be wary of adopting successful aging terminology without considering and expanding their understanding of the political motivations and results that accompanies it. New, expanded conceptualizations of successful aging are needed so that socially minded researchers and practitioners of gerontology do not contribute to ageism and discrimination against older adults. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990644 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990643&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F697%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990643 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990642&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F690%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990642 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990641&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F685%3Frss%3D1 Gerontology and theory have long been intellectually separate, with empirical studies dominant. Marrying Foucauldian theory, as Powell proposes, with gerontology is clever, timely and potentially fruitful for policy, practice and research. Although Foucault had little to say about age, his insights on power and on bodies are profoundly relevant to the process of ageing. Powell’s proposed application of a Foucauldian toolkit to caring for older people, enables the opening of insights into both the cared for and the carers, the latter of whom are differentially disadvantaged as well by gender, ethnicity, class and often immigration status. Viewed through Foucault’s concept of power, ageing population is observed as a fiction, justifying all manner of policy panics and woes that m... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990641 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990640&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F683%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990640 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990639&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F669%3Frss%3D1 Health and welfare have emerged as pivotal drivers used to position the identities that older people adopt in contemporary Western societies. Both contain continually changing technologies that function to mediate relations between older people and care professionals. However, they also represent an increase in professional control that can be exerted on lifestyles in old age, and thus, the wider social meanings associated with that part of the life course. The article presents a theoretical analysis of gerontology based on a critical reading of the work of Michel Foucault. It identifies the interrelationship between managerialism and older people in terms of a conceptual toolkit of (a) "medical power," and (b) "assessment," "surveillance," and "resistance"; the key point is that they are ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990639 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990638&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F667%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990638 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783819&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F649%3Frss%3D1 This study described the alcohol use risk levels of a large convenience sample of patients 65 years and older visiting two large California hospital emergency departments (EDs). A personal interview, administered in the ED by a trained health educator, collected sociodemographic information and alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test instrument. A total of 476 older patients provided complete interviews. This group equally comprised of men and women. Fifty-four percent were White non-Hispanic, 28% were Hispanic, 11% were African American, and 6% Other/Unknown. About 14% were at risk or above for alcohol misuse. No differences in risk-level distribution were found for young-old (65-74 years of age) and old-old (75+) groups. Higher alcohol risk was associated with mal... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783819 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783818&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F638%3Frss%3D1 Although televisions are commonplace in many long-term care facilities for people with dementia, little research has been done on the possible effects of television viewing on residents’ behaviors. The authors’ study aims were to document observable behaviors and activities of residents before, during, and after viewing television programs and to determine whether programs had an observable effect on behaviors. The authors enrolled 22 residents in a residential dementia care facility (4 to 5 people in each of the five residential wings). Two raters completed systematic observations for 5 consecutive days at baseline, during the presentation of eight television programs, and for 30 minutes following the program. The authors found that "dozing" was the most common activity during... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783818 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783817&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F621%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this article is to examine the use of the Self-Discovery Tapestry (SDT) tool, a life history review instrument, and its application to an Australian qualitative study of community-dwelling older people aged 80 years and more. The researchers set out to engage with older people through an innovative research approach that acknowledged their experiences and recognized their skills and capacities across the course of their lives. The article reports and assesses this research instrument as a tool for gathering data in narrative studies involving older people. It proposes that the instrument, with some modifications might be used to further develop specific knowledge of aging to benefit research, education, and practice in gerontology. By undertaking to critique the research process... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783817 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783816&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F600%3Frss%3D1 Various factors including social isolation and financial worries put older adults at risk for addictions. Indeed, older adults are the largest consumers of medication, and alcohol consumption is rising. Yet interventions are limited and problems often go unreported. Unearthing "problem" stories in people’s lives (i.e., "the addiction story") and retelling them in more empowering ways, narrative therapy offers a viable therapeutic alternative, and research on narrative therapy has proven encouraging. However, little is known about narrative therapy with older adults and with addictions. Seeking to address these gaps, an ethnographic study was conducted in Toronto, Canada, with a group of older adults receiving narrative therapy for addictions. Findings suggest that the therapy was "he... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783816 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783815&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F582%3Frss%3D1 Memory is a salient area of functioning in adulthood known to be influenced by beliefs about performance. To date, individual variations in memory beliefs have not been systematically examined. The present study used hierarchical linear regressions to examine the relationship between Memory Controllability Index (MCI) subscales and identity processes in 250 adults (M = 58.01, 40 to 91 years), controlling for age, gender, and self-rated health. The ability to integrate age-related changes into identity was positively related to MCI scales measuring assessment of ability, potential to improve memory, and belief in the value of using memory strategies. The identity scale measuring negative age-related changes was related to lower memory self-assessment, ability to improve, and the belief that... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783815 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783814&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F560%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the accuracy of younger-old and older-old adults’ self-reported adherence over a 3-month period and the potential interactive relationship between self-report accuracy and cognitive abilities. For 3 months, 71 younger-old (M = 68.10, range = 57 to 74) and 62 older-old (M = 80.31, range = 75 to 89) adults had their actual and self-reported adherence monitored. Cognitive tests assessing episodic and prospective memory were given at the beginning of the study. Multilevel models indicate that 32% of the variability in objective adherence was from between-person differences whereas 68% was from within-person fluctuations. There were age differences in the coupling of actual and self-reported adherence over time, such that younger-old adults’ self-reports less acc... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783814 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783813&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated the effects of a policy change in California that decreased annual state inspections of residential care facilities for the elderly to once every 5 years. Data collection involved a 5-year retrospective review of public facility files. Files were obtained from a probability sample of 340 licensed facilities, stratified by facility size and district office. Generalized estimating equations were used for multivariate analyses of size, office, and period effects of types of visits made and citations relative to quality of care. Routine survey visits were replaced with increases in the number of complaint- or problem-driven visits. Rates of quality of care citations arising from complaints or problems increased. Practice patterns among offices and variations by facility... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783813 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599696&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F524%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between volunteering engagement and trajectories of physical health. Using three-wave panel data from the Americans' Changing Lives survey, the author tested the association between volunteering engagement and physical health after controlling for health variables from previous waves. Volunteering engagement was measured through volunteer status and hours. Physical health was measured through self-rated health, functional dependency, and chronic conditions. Findings indicated that volunteering engagement was associated with improved self-rated health and decreased functional dependency but not with the number of chronic conditions. Volunteering is a social approach to health maintenance in the older population, and the ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599696 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599695&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F504%3Frss%3D1 Because of population aging, many governments are placing greater responsibility on older persons to fund their retirement. Within this context, older persons' financial self-sufficiency during times of stress is important to understand. Using data from the 2002 Australian General Social Survey, this article reports on the prevalence of older persons drawing on financial resources to meet the cost of everyday living expenses when current income is insufficient, identifies the kinds of resources older persons draw on to meet the costs of everyday necessities, and estimates the effects of demographic factors on different necessary dissaving strategies. Results indicate that about 11% of older persons find it necessary to employ some type of dissaving strategy and that the factors associated ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599695 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599694&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F482%3Frss%3D1 This study describes informal caregivers of the homebound who remain caregivers at a 9-month follow-up and examines the impact of a home-based primary care (HBPC) program on caregiver burden and unmet needs using a prospective design with a pre—post intervention assessment. Informal caregivers of the urban homebound are similar to caregivers of other populations and have a broad range of unmet needs. The intervention described is the regular provision of multidisciplinary HBPC. Hundred fourteen caregivers of newly admitted patients complete a baseline interview. For the 56 caregivers who complete a 9-month follow-up interview, participation in HBPC is associated with a statistically significant decrease in overall caregiver burden. At 9 months, caregivers demonstrate an overall decre... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599694 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599693&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F461%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study is to explore social engagement and its relationship to the psychological well-being of older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Drawing on activity theory, the study focuses on the salience of social relationships on residents' life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. A total of 82 residents were interviewed face-to-face in eight ALFs in a southern state of the United States. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression models in that demographic and health variables, site characteristics, and social engagement variables were entered into the model in successive steps. Results indicate that perceived friendliness of residents and staff was significantly associated with life satisfaction and depressive symptoms controlling for other va... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599693 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599692&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F436%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between informal caregiver life satisfaction and receipt of outpatient medical care in persons with dementia. We obtained data from the National Longitudinal Caregiver Survey (NLCS), a survey of 1,269 veterans with dementia and their primary informal caregivers. NLCS data were merged with 12 months of Veteran Administration outpatient claims. Outpatient visits were classified as (a) primary, (b) specialty, or (c) mental health care. Greater levels of caregiver-reported life dissatisfaction were associated with decreased likelihood of care-recipient outpatient visits for both primary and mental health care. In addition, we found that care-recipients with African American caregivers were less likely to receive a mental health visit, a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599692 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599691&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F419%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluated an existing education and support program specifically designed for early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The "Taking Control of Alzheimer's Disease" series is an Alzheimer's Association-sponsored, four-session program that combines didactic and interactive activities for both persons with early-stage dementia and their care-partners. Seventy-four participants across nine series (37 persons with dementia, 37 care-partners) provided data. Participants expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program (e.g., 71% gave it a letter grade of "A," 99% found it helpful). No significant changes from baseline were observed in AD knowledge, coping self-efficacy, or psychosocial adjustment to illness. At 3-month follow-up, participants were more likely than at baseline to b... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599691 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599690&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F411%3Frss%3D1 For the elderly mobility is a constitutive and essential element of their quality of life. Due to their aging population modern societies intend to intervene and enhance the mobility of the elderly on the basis of research findings. Indeed, numerous research projects pointed out existing barriers to mobility in old age: personal barriers (e.g., achievement deficits, diseases or handicaps), and environmental barriers (e.g., physical obstacles, technical complications). Simply overcoming these barriers does not guarantee mobility without problems and an increase of the quality of life. Beyond a "transportation perspective" of mobility more emphasis is needed with respect to emotional, motivational and social aspects of being mobile. In doing so, decision makers as well as scientists will be ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599690 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371201&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F395%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to investigate GPs' perceptions and understanding of a palliative approach. A convenience sample of rural GPs (n = 13) participated in a series of three focus groups undertaken in August, 2005. These focus groups were all audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Four key themes emerged: uncertainty about a palliative approach, a need to reorientate providers, the challenges of managing third parties, and making it work and moving forward. These preliminary findings suggest that integrating a palliative approach in aged care requires GPs to have a greater awareness of this paradigm and to be more effectively engaged in multidisciplinary care planning. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371201 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371199&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F369%3Frss%3D1 The authors used the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of physical activity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older community-dwelling adults. A random-effects model was used for all primary analyses. Of the 257 studies screened, 11 randomized controlled trials representing 13 groups and 617 men and women (324 physical activity, 293 control), all older than 50, were included. Overall, a significant (small to moderate) standardized effect size improvement was found for physical function as a result of physical activity (Hedges's g = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19, 0.64, p < .001). This was equivalent to a common language effect size of 62% and an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI = 1.42, 3.24). No significant differences were found for the other nine HRQOL outc... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371199 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371198&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F342%3Frss%3D1 This study explores how age and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be related to the identification and appraisal of cognitive impairment symptoms as well as associated prevention beliefs. Participants were 140 community-dwelling adults ranging in age from 49 to 90 years who completed a survey containing a vignette about an adult with cognitive impairment symptoms and questions about the illness symptoms, prevention beliefs, and HRQoL. Identification of symptoms as Alzheimer's disease or dementia was reported by 83% of respondents. Correlational analyses suggested age and education to be associated with perceived significance of symptoms as well as the recommendation to seek medical care. Multiple regression modeling indicated interactive effects that suggest advancing age and poor... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371198 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371196&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F320%3Frss%3D1 Older single women are disproportionately vulnerable to poverty. Using data from the 2002 and 2004 waves of the Health and Retirement Study of 5,799 women age 65 or older, this study investigated the effect of change in income sources by recent spousal loss on poverty transition. The focus is on (a) the effect of widowhood on income source change and (b) how such change affects poverty transition of recently widowed older women. Findings indicate that widowhood greatly decreases income from every source. Specifically, a $10 increase in social security benefits decreased the probability of poverty transition for recently widowed older women by 67.2%. These findings call for reconsidering social security survivor benefit rules and women's education with regard to financial security in retire... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371196 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371195&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F314%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371195 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371194&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F308%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371194 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371193&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F304%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371193 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371192&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F298%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371192 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371191&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F283%3Frss%3D1 This article describes the boomer cohort, provides a brief summary of an empowerment paradigm, offers six examples of movements that are beginning to empower boomers, and ends with a call to action. According to the author, there is a need to educate our colleagues and the general public about the innovations that are emerging, evaluate them in a broader and more coordinated way, and help promote them by partnering with the coming cohort of gerontology boomers. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371191 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251858&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F256%3Frss%3D1 The authors describe the principles of Perfecting Patient Care (PPC) and provide case examples of work redesign and measurable outcomes at one nursing home. The impact of PPC was evaluated by examining employee, family, and resident satisfaction scores. PPC helped with process redesign to eliminate linen shortages and to decrease the resident fall rate. For the employee job satisfaction survey, improved scores resulted for nine questions; six scores were similar to baseline; and four scores were lower than at baseline. For the family satisfaction survey improved scores resulted for 17 questions; five scores were similar to those at baseline; and no scores were lower than baseline. For the resident satisfaction survey scores on 13 questions improved compared to baseline; eight scores were s... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251858 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251856&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F235%3Frss%3D1 Using data from the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), predictors of current alcohol and drug misuse problems among homeless, previously homeless, and marginally housed older adults are identified. Childhood sexual assault, victimization, and neglect, being male, being younger, being homeless or previously homeless, being a minority, and having income below US$499 per month increased the odds of reporting a drug problem. Being male, being younger, being homeless, having mental illness increased the odds of reporting an alcohol problem. Reporting any type of substance use problem increased the odds of reporting the other. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251856 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251855&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F218%3Frss%3D1 This study demonstrates that the Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop model can be used successfully to identify priority areas for research that have implications for community practice, construct an evidence base more relevant for community application, strengthen existing community—researcher partnerships, and build agency and practitioner capacity to take part in community-based participatory research. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251855 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251854&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F195%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to gauge the impact of social embarrassment on caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Two hypotheses were tested: First, social embarrassment adds a unique component of distress to caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, controlling for other factors known to cause depression; second, the negativity of the embarrassment varies according to the caregiver's race/ethnicity. Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States program ( N = 1,183), the caregiver's perceived depression was regressed on culturally situated variables and a set of covariates that included characteristics of both caregiver and care receiver. Results indicate that social embarrassment exerts a substantial effect on caregiver depression, but the effect does not vary meaningful... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251854 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251853&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F171%3Frss%3D1 This study reports outcomes of a telephone-based exercise intervention designed for women caring for a spouse with dementia. Caregivers (N = 137) were randomized to intervention or control conditions. Participants with at- or below-median exercise scores at baseline had a significantly greater increase in exercise at 6-month follow-up compared with their control counterparts. At 6 months, participants had greater reductions in perceived stress relative to controls. Participants also reported significantly greater increases in exercise self-efficacy than caregivers in the control group at both follow-up points. Results indicate that spouse caregivers are able to increase their physical activity and that a focus on exercise in multicomponent interventions may be beneficial. Debate and discus... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251853 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251852&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F139%3Frss%3D1 The goals of this article are to present a systematic review of rural caregiving research and provide suggestions for future research efforts. The review, conducted through a search of databases, was limited to original research articles published between 1990 and 2007. The articles focused on informal caregiving of dependent older adults in rural settings. Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria, with 11 being rural/urban comparative studies and 20 being rural only studies. The majority of the studies were quantitative and cross-sectional. Areas for improvement in future research include incorporating theory, defining key terms, using probability sampling, examining data longitudinally, including objective measures, recruiting more racially/ethnically diverse samples, and using a m... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251852 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096993&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F132%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096993 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096992&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F109%3Frss%3D1 Research on respite services for caregivers has been extensive over the past 25 years; however, findings regarding the effectiveness for improving their well-being have shown only moderate or mixed support. Missing from this research has been an examination of what caregivers do during their respite time. We studied 52 family caregivers who used adult day services and examined the consistency between their desired and actual respite activities and its relation to well-being outcomes. We concluded that (a) caregivers pursued a wide range of respite activities; (b) 46% were only somewhat or not very satisfied with how they spent their time; (c) those who were inconsistent in their desired versus actual respite activities and also dissatisfied with their use of time were more depressed, more ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096992 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096991&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F81%3Frss%3D1 This article examines how race and class influence decisions to move to assisted living facilities. Qualitative methods were used to study moving decisions of residents in 10 assisted living facilities varying in size and location, as well as race and socioeconomic status of residents. Data were derived from in-depth interviews with 60 residents, 43 family members and friends, and 12 administrators. Grounded theory analysis identified three types of residents based on their decision-making control: proactive, compliant, and passive/resistant. Only proactive residents (less than a quarter of residents) had primary control. Findings show that control of decision making for elders who are moving to assisted living is influenced by class, though not directly by race. The impact of class primar... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096991 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096990&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F59%3Frss%3D1 To present a reduced version of the Housing Enabler, useful as a screening tool in practice contexts and in research, this study identifies the core items of the environmental component of the instrument, that is, the items most important in terms of the instrument's overall validity to measure accessibility problems. Utilizing cross-national data and interdisciplinary knowledge through an iterative process, a set of core items was identified. The environmental component of the reduced version comprises 61 items, compared to 188 in the original instrument. The rank correlation between the accessibility scores generated by the original and reduced versions was r ≥ .97 (p < .001). Based on comprehensive empirical research in three countries, the reduced version of the Housing Enabler i... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096990 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096989&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F38%3Frss%3D1 This study describes nursing homes' use of Minimum Data Set (MDS) software and identifies features that are available in the most commonly used software packages. Data came from the On-line Survey, Certification and Reporting system and a national survey of nursing home administrators (N = 2,899) conducted in 2005. Results show that 2,397 (82.7%) of nursing homes used third-party MDS software, and more than 85% of those facilities purchased the software from one of five vendors. Advanced features in the software were available to most (87% to 98%) of the facilities; however, most features were not being used all the time. Findings are instructive in showing the use of health information technology in nursing homes. Nursing homes are often viewed as technologically impaired. With respect to... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096989 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096988&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F5%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this article is to present the findings of a review of studies that focused on technology supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. A literature search was carried out in eight scientific literature databases covering literature published between January 1992 and February 2007. A total of 46 studies providing original data and one review were included in this review. Analyses covered the aims of the studies, the technology used, study design, methods, outcome variables, and results. Most studies were carried out in residential care and focused on the needs of formal caregivers. Only a few studies involved people with dementia actively using the technology. The studies are difficult to compare because of the large variety of aims, technologies, design, and outcome mea... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096988 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096987&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096987 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861449&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F641%3Frss%3D1 This study presents vignettes in which facility caregivers played roles from the resident's past, briefly and without rehearsal or deliberation. During these episodes, residents were able to experience a continuity of identity, a sense of belonging, and a recognition for past accomplishment. This article argues that these brief episodes of mistaken identity were spontaneous opportunities to preserve the personhood of persons with dementia. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861449 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861448&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F631%3Frss%3D1 This report describes the outcomes of an epidemiological study that examined the association among physical activity participation, household income, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among 875 older persons living in southern Brazil. At least one disease or chronic condition was reported by 71.1% of the older adults. The survey identified 59.3% of the older adults as more active. Physical activity levels were found to be independent predictors of disease status. Less active seniors were more than twice as likely to report the presence of disease than were their more active counterparts. In addition, socioeconomic status was found to be significantly related to physical activity participation, with lower income seniors less likely to be physically active. These findings underscore the... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861448 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861447&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F609%3Frss%3D1 The author uses data from 8,023 nursing homes to examine state differences in turnover and vacancy rates and organizational characteristics associated with turnover rates. The analyses focus on nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses as caregivers. Findings show that the 2004 turnover and vacancy rates for these caregivers were high and that there were differences across states for turnover and vacancy rates. The author shows that staffing levels of caregivers, quality of care, and top management turnover are associated with caregiver turnover. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861447 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861446&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F588%3Frss%3D1 Using data from 69 in-depth interviews, the authors examine how men define financial planning and preretirement planning. The analyses show that younger men are less likely than older men to actively plan for retirement, and a clearer distinction is made between financial planning and preretirement planning. The results also show that the meanings of the two phrases overlap as one ages and that financial habits change over the life course. Understanding the changes over the life course would ensure that successful programs aim at securing financial security at older ages. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861446 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861445&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F568%3Frss%3D1 This study examines satisfaction with care for African-American and White family caregivers of assisted living (adult care and family care homes) residents. Demographic factors, particularly race, caregiving experiences, and structural characteristics, were analyzed. A regression model correcting for design effects was analyzed. Because of the number of significant interactions, separate analyses for each race were completed. Results support the conceptualization of satisfaction with long-term care as a multidimensional process, incorporating demographic characteristics of family caregivers, the caregiving experience, and structural characteristics of the facility. Findings also suggest that predictors of satisfaction with care differ by race. A focus by long-term care administrators and s... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861445 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861444&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the impact of a self-management intervention for housebound adults with arthritis and presence of moderating variables. A total of 113 adults with a mean age of 77.7 years and diagnosed with osteoarthritis (62%) or rheumatoid arthritis (38%) were randomized to intervention (n = 65) and control groups (n = 48). Information on health, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and health behaviors was collected (a) at baseline, (b) 2 months later, and (c) following the intervention. Multilevel analysis reveals that experimental group participants reported significantly fewer functional limitations and less helplessness than control participants postintervention. A trend for improved coping effectiveness was observed (p = .06). Greater improvements in outcome expectations and ph... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861444 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636657&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F523%3Frss%3D1 The present study is an initial exploration of the psychological well-being of residents of an assisted-living facility (ALF) designed and managed for elders of an American Indian tribe. A total of 56 tribal member elders, including 13 facility residents and 43 nonresidents, completed scales measuring happiness, quality of life, perceived social support, and loneliness. In addition, 5 residents participated in one-on-one interviews. Compared to nonresidents, facility residents reported significantly greater happiness and perceived social support and significantly less loneliness. Furthermore, loneliness was found to mediate the relationship between ALF residence and happiness. Interviews with the residents revealed four themes related to the ALF that contribute to the residents' well-being... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636657 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636656&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F511%3Frss%3D1 This study assesses whether physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health are affected by use of a walking aid in residents of an assisted-living facility. From an assisted-living facility, 21 participants who were independent ambulators (n = 8) or who used a cane or walker (n = 13) participated. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and depression, fatigue, and perceived heath status were assessed with questionnaires. There were no differences in physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health status between those using and those not using assistive devices. However, 15% of the participants reported moderate to severe depression, and 40% of participants reported at least mild depression. Depression was strongly correlated to fatigue. Thus, physical ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636656 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636655&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F486%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this systematic review of health science literature was to examine the current state of science regarding advance directive decision making (ADDM) among independent community-dwelling older adults. Seventeen studies fitting study inclusion criteria established for the purpose of this systematic review were examined. Findings revealed that ADDM has predominantly been explored among widowed, divorced, or never married female Caucasian independent community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older possessing a high school level of education. Numerous older adult/health care provider barriers to advance directive discussion and completion were found to exist. There is a lack of research regarding ADDM among independent community-dwelling male older adults, older adults from... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636655 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636654&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F466%3Frss%3D1 This study examines plans for future caregiving made by family members of younger (n = 59) and older adults (n = 16) with serious mental illness (SMI). An online survey was advertised through a newsletter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Qualitative analyses yielded four areas of caregiver concern: health of the care recipient over time, ability of caregivers to sustain support, social support available for the care recipient, and financial burden of care. Despite these concerns, few caregivers reported completed plans for future caregiving. One fourth of the caregivers had made no plans, nor had they discussed future caregiving with others. Although most would prefer other relatives to assume care in the event they could not sustain support, these expectations may not be commun... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636654 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636653&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F446%3Frss%3D1 Popular stereotypes of aging affect the performance of seniors in a number of different domains, from memory performance to physiological response. The authors undertook a review of this area, in which they examined 17 studies that looked at the impact of stereotype primes on older individuals' cognitive, physical, physiological and psychological performance. Analyses included investigating the effects of both positive and negative age stereotypes, and implicit and explicit priming methodologies. The authors utilized a meta-analytic technique on a subset of studies that examined the impact of priming on memory performance. This yielded an effect size of 0.38. The results suggest that popular stereotypes of aging (and the corresponding subtle changes in the testing environment) are importan... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636653 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636652&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F424%3Frss%3D1 This study examines older Chinese Internet users' participation in voluntary associations, communities, and politics, focusing on members of a senior-oriented computer training organization based in Shanghai, China. The results show that the Internet can facilitate the civic engagement of these older Chinese, as illustrated by their active participation in Internet-promoting activities, devotion to starting new computer clubs in local communities, and efforts in persuading government officials to provide necessary resources for establishing and maintaining local computer clubs. The findings suggest the following: The Internet can be a useful concept (in contrast to its online informative and communicative functions per se) to facilitate civic engagement in the offline world, computer clubs... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636652 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636651&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F406%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine independent and interactive roles of self-reported vision status and upper and lower limb disability as predictors of falls in people 65 and older. Data from the 2002 and 2004 panels of the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results indicated a reduced or eliminated role of vision status after upper and lower limb disabilities were controlled. Gender differences were found with respect to health conditions that predicted falls; however, vision status was not found to have a moderating influence on upper and lower limb disability in predicting falls for men or women. Implications for exercise programs designed for older people with visual impairments are discussed. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636651 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636650&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F375%3Frss%3D1 In this research, the author reviewed 70 studies that had examined the relationship between staffing levels and quality in nursing homes (covering the years 1991 to 2006). The results of the review including all of this literature show that approximately 40% of the quality indicators examined show an association with nursing home staffing levels. Nevertheless, this finding is further interpreted in the context of the limitations of many of these prior studies. The author discusses the limitations of poor quality staffing data, small sample size, quality indicators used, methodological concerns, and underspecified models inherent to many prior studies. The author finds no study representing a "gold standard" exists in this area. Still, the few studies that seem methodologically most robust ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636650 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424800&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F350%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined exercise behaviors among family caregivers and the degree to which aspects of the caregiving role influenced exercise behaviors. Understanding factors associated with caregiver physical activity provides practitioners the means to design and tailor interventions to be effective for caregivers. Caregivers (N = 208) participating in a self-care intervention to promote caregiving skills were surveyed at baseline, prior to training. Measures included caregiver characteristics, care recipient characteristics, attitudes and intentions toward exercise, and levels of physical activity. Mental health variables and self-efficacy for exercise were significantly related to exercise levels in bivariate analyses. Regression analyses revealed that caregiver and care recipient charact... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424800 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424799&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F331%3Frss%3D1 This article examines the relationship between daily physical activity and everyday memory using an 8-day diary design with young, middle-aged, and older adults. Contrary to expectations, age differences were not reported in the frequency of memory failures and daily physical activity at the between-person level. Multilevel modeling, however, indicated that on days when adults engaged in leisure exercise (physical activity performed during leisure or free time), they reported fewer memory failures, and this was most apparent for older adults. Lagged analyses indicated that when leisure activity was reported on one day, fewer memory failures were reported the next day, and this was especially true for older adults. Thus, findings demonstrate that the benefits of physical activity for memory... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424799 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424798&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F309%3Frss%3D1 Caregiving burden was found to be affected by a multiplicity of factors and to affect the quality of life of family caregivers. The present study is aimed at examining the extent to which various supportive services help to alleviate caregivers' burden and the extent to which caregivers' burden affects various domains of the quality of life of primary caregivers and also to investigate the factors that best explain quality of life. The sample includes 114 primary caregivers who provided care to physically disabled elderly family members. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The findings show that various domains of the quality of life of primary caregivers were affected by the level of the caregivers' burden and the types of services provided to the elderly person, by careg... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424798 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424797&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F286%3Frss%3D1 This article describes an assessment tool that takes into account caregivers' reality and conditions and that situates them as essential partners with the formal system and reports on the validation and reliability testing of this tool. Seven sites in Quebec and Nova Scotia involving 40 assessors tested the tool with 168 caregivers. Results suggest that this comprehensive tool enables practitioners to understand caregivers' needs and situations. Focus groups with assessors and interviews with home care administrators revealed that the tool increased worker understanding and awareness of what it means to be a caregiver, ascertained the key caregiver concerns, and identified these needs in rapid succession. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424797 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424796&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F267%3Frss%3D1 The Nutrition-Memory Study (NMS) followed evolution of nutrition status among elderly community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants, age-matched to cognitively intact controls, were recruited from three university hospital memory clinics. Incentives encouraged retention; flexible procedures and caregiver collaboration permitted collection of nutrition information from AD patients. Of 71 patients referred by the clinics, 55 (77.5%) were eligible, 42 (76.4% of eligible) were recruited with their caregivers, and 40 (72.7%) completed the baseline. Thirty-two patient—caregiver dyads completed the first three interviews (58.1% of eligible; 80% of recruited); 26 of the 32 dyads (81.3% of recruited) completed four of the five interviews, and 14 (43.8% of recruite... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424796 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424795&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F252%3Frss%3D1 Groups of North Dakota professionals from health and aging services participated in a focus group study of mental health needs and barriers to service among older adults. Data were collected from 13 focus groups that included human service providers, public health nurses, out-reach workers, and advisory groups who discuss mental health and aging issues in a number of ecological systems contexts. Lack of knowledgeable care providers, funding cutbacks, accessibility of services, and ageism were frequently cited barriers to mental health services for older adults in rural areas. Focus groups also discussed the needs of older adults including information on services, how to access services, the need for service providers in rural areas, and routine assessments by physicians. Participants sugge... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424795 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424794&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F231%3Frss%3D1 Although a minority in assisted living facilities (ALFs), couples do reside in these settings and the numbers are predicted to rise. Despite this prediction, little is known about these couples' experiences. Endeavoring to advance knowledge and inform policy and practice, this article presents an analysis of qualitative data from an exploratory study involving 20 married couples living in ALFs. Analysis considers couples' pathways and responses to assisted living. Findings show couples' pathways to ALFs typically involved a major health transition for one or both spouses and required enabling resources paired with the desire to remain together. For most, the need for relocation was asynchronous. Couples' ALF experiences were variable in terms of how spouses reported interacting with one an... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424794 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313131&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F215%3Frss%3D1 In this study, dementia caregivers completed an orally administered version of the Self-Care subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). ADL interactions were videotaped in the home, and independent raters assigned a FIM score to these interactions. An occupational therapist later viewed the videotaped ADLs and assigned FIM scores to those interactions. These three sets of scores were then compared. All possible correlations were significant (n = 21; p ≤ .005; rs = .620 to .933; Mdn = .862), and there were no significant differences among ratings obtained from the different sources. These results support earlier conclusions regarding the validity and clinical utility of caregiver proxy ratings of functional ability in elders with dementia. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontol... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313131 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313130&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F201%3Frss%3D1 Optimizing duration of participation in health promotion programs has important implications for program reach and costs. We examine data from 355 participants in EnhanceWellness to determine whether improvements in disability risk factors (depression, physical inactivity) occurred early or late in the enrollment period. Participants had a mean age of 74 years; 76% were women, and 16% were non-White. The percentage depressed declined from enrollment to 6 months (35% to 28%, p = .001) and from 6 to 12 months (28% to 22%, p = .03). The percentage physically inactive declined over the first 6 months, without substantial change thereafter (47%, 29%, and 29%). Those remaining inactive at 6 months had worse self-rated health and more depressive symptoms initially; a subset of those increased the... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313130 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313129&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F181%3Frss%3D1 Although the potential benefits of unobtrusive in-home sensing technologies for maintaining health and independence of older adults have been highlighted in recent research, little is known about their views toward such technology. The aims of this project were to identify monitoring needs and expectations of community-residing elderly and their family members. Focus groups were presented with examples of in-home monitoring devices and data output; participants were asked to consider whether the data showed information that was meaningful to them, and how and to whom they would like to have such data disseminated. Content analysis of transcripts revealed four dominant themes: maintaining independence, detecting cognitive decline, sharing of information, and the trade-off between privacy an... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313129 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313128&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F166%3Frss%3D1 Changes in our society increasingly place the old and impaired in institutions, where they spend their last remaining days. The authors explore the burden of being confronted with death and dying on nursing home staff using mixed methodology. Findings from open-ended interviews with 17 representatives of different occupational groups inform the design of a questionnaire used to conduct a survey in 52 nursing homes of the Federal Province of Carinthia (Austria). In total, 894 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 49%. Results indicate that it is more difficult to talk about death with family members of terminally ill residents than with the dying themselves. The need for end-of-life training is not only essential for nursing staff but is also needed for nonnursing staff,... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313128 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313127&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F141%3Frss%3D1 This study sought to explore cultural attitudes toward caregiving and long-term care and their influence on patterns of long-term care use among Mexican American family caregivers of relatives aged 50 and older. Using a cross-sectional design, the researchers used mixed methods and conducted interviews with 66 Mexican American family caregivers in San Diego, California. They applied the Andersen behavioral model of health service utilization to examine familism, gender roles, acculturation, religiosity, and knowledge and perceptions of long-term care as factors in usage. Caregivers with greater long-term care use displayed lower levels of familism, were knowledgeable about services, had a care recipient with health insurance, shared caregiving responsibilities, and were less acculturated. ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313127 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1313126&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F123%3Frss%3D1 An extensive body of research explores caring for older relatives. However, relatively little is known about crisis episodes in the provision of care to older adults. The purpose of this research is to explore the nature of crises in employed caregivers' lives by examining the type, frequency, and impact associated with crises. Data come from the Canadian Aging Research Network's (CARNET) survey of 5,496 employed Canadians. The analyses focus on open- and close-ended data collected from 250 respondents (108 men and 142 women) with caregiving responsibilities. Nearly half the participants (47%) reported a crisis in the previous 6 months. Crises are predictable and unpredictable events in the lives of the caregiver and the older person receiving care. They are primarily health related but co... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1313126 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1313126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215985&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F110%3Frss%3D1 This study explored predictors of willingness to use a nursing home in Korean American elders. Andersen's behavioral health model was adapted with predisposing factors (age, gender, education, length of residence in the United States), potential health needs (chronic condition, functional disability, self-perceived health), and network-related enabling factors (marital status and living arrangement, family network, having someone close living in a nursing home). Among 427 participants, 45% reported their willingness to use a nursing home. Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of willingness increased when individuals had poorer perceived health and had a close other living in a nursing home. Findings indicate that (a) self-perceived health serves as a proxy for future nee... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215985 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215984&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F93%3Frss%3D1 This study used a stratified random sampling design to survey older adults (n = 203) in the state of Florida regarding their attitudes toward future care and planning behavior in social-environmental, health, and financial domains. Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors most predictive of older adults' attitudes toward future care and planning behavior by domain. Results suggests that gender, age, and functional status predict greater planning behavior and more accepting attitudes toward long-term care, whereas living alone and poor health status are associated with less advance care planning behavior and greater nonaccepting attitudes. Factors associated with a greater likelihood to have advance care planning documents and concrete plans for future care include increased ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215984 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215983&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F78%3Frss%3D1 Adult day programs provide nutritional, health, social, and recreational services for older adults during daytime hours. The heterogeneity of programs, participants, and funding sources creates challenges in defining and measuring participant outcomes of adult day services. There appear to be two main domains of influence that adult day programs can have on participants: physical health functioning and psychosocial well-being. The study of the psychosocial benefits of adult day services to participants has been neglected. The purpose of this article is to review current empirical literature and to propose a new conceptual model for examining the participant outcomes in adult day services programs, taking into consideration the variability in participant needs and program design and deliver... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215983 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215982&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F52%3Frss%3D1 Despite the well-known health benefits associated with regular daily physical activity, most Americans do not engage in sufficient exercise. Of particular concern are the low levels of exercise among older women, who have a heightened risk of adverse cardiovascular events. To improve our understanding of the determinants of exercise among this particularly vulnerable population, the authors undertook face-to-face interviews with 45 women who had survived a heart attack (age range = 48-88, M = 73). Upon completion of standard qualitative analytic procedures, several themes emerged as influential in shaping exercise behavior. There were multiple and connected determinants of exercise, including cognitive factors (competing demands, perceived health maintenance), life course issues (exercise ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215982 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215981&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study is to examine whether A Matter of Balance, a cognitive-behavioral program previously found to be efficacious in a randomized clinical trial (RCT), could be translated into a community-based volunteer lay leader model and achieve outcomes comparable to those found in the RCT. A repeated measures, single-group design is employed. Participants experience significant increases in falls efficacy, falls management, and falls control at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months, thus achieving comparable outcomes with those of participants in the RCT. This successful translation of a professionally led health promotion program into a volunteer lay leader model enables embedding the program in community-based organizations, thus making it more broadly available to older adults in ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215981 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215980&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F4%3Frss%3D1 This article addresses health behavior change program fidelity using the five components of fidelity from the National Institute of Aging's Behavior Change Consortia: fidelity in design, training, delivery, receipt, and enactment. Fidelity is a key issue in successful translational research projects into community settings. The authors examine four programs sponsored by the Administration on Aging that target health behavior change in physical activity (EnhanceFitness), chronic disease self-management (Partners on the PATH [Personal Action Toward Health]), fear of falling and falls prevention (Matter of Balance), and depression management (Healthy IDEAS). This article (a) describes the tools and strategies used by these projects to track and enhance fidelity to the core elements of the ori... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215980 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215979&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215979 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1215979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958017&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F5%2F506%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958017 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958016&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F5%2F486%3Frss%3D1 The literature on the experiences of Latino caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) is scarce. Shedding light on ethnocultural influences may facilitate providing more culturally appropriate services. The purpose of this study is to explore Latino caregivers' cultural explanatory models of caring for an older adult with ADRD. Seven focus groups are conducted with 33 Spanish-speaking Latino caregivers in three U.S. states: Florida, Colorado, and Minnesota. Standardized focus group interviews are audiotaped, transcribed, translated into English, and systematically examined using grounded theory techniques. The qualitative findings answer three primary research questions about (a) the meanings of caregiving and caregiver self-definitions, (b) overall e... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958016 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958015&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F5%2F472%3Frss%3D1 In studies that have explored pet ownership in families affected by dementia, reported benefits have ranged from improvements in patient behavior to reduction in caregiver blood pressure. In this exploratory study, the impact of dementia on relationships among pets, caregivers, and care recipients was examined using content analysis of open-ended questions included in a telephone survey. Female spouse caregivers who owned pets were asked how their (and their husband's) relationship with their pets changed since they started caring for their husband. Most caregivers reported that they felt closer and more attached to their pets than previously. However, some caregivers reported that their pets created an additional burden and that they and their spouse had less time to care for the pets sin... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958015 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958014&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F5%2F454%3Frss%3D1 A proactive strategy for the aging population was first proposed by the World Health Organization in 2002. Chinese authorities and experts in gerontology welcome the strategy, and they have already emphasized the need to safeguard the dignity of the elderly population and utilize their talents. There currently exists a shortage of expertise concerning the positive utilization of older persons, and attempts to implement such utilization must be monitored closely and may require preventive intervention. China's experts in gerontology therefore advocate new socioeconomic ideals regarding the elderly community, proposing refinement of statutes and policies to protect the rights of elderly people. Furthermore, the success of this proactive strategy demands social support, the mobilization of pu... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958014 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958013&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F5%2F433%3Frss%3D1 The effects of tai chi (TC) and low impact exercise (LIE) interventions on physical functioning and psychological well-being of sedentary older people were contrasted. Participants were randomized to TC, LIE, or non-exercise control groups with interventions running for 12 weeks. Post-intervention assessments with 72 participants who completed the study revealed that participants in both exercise groups improved with respect to upper body strength, balance, cardiovascular endurance, lower body strength, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Participants in the LIE group reported better functional ability while those in the TC group reported better subjective health. Findings suggest that tai chi and low impact exercise are safe, cost-effective ways to improve both physical and psychological fun... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958013 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958012&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F5%2F419%3Frss%3D1 The issue of prescription drug abuse among the elderly population is multifaceted. Such abuse has implications for the individual's health and his or her family relationships, and has other ecological dimensions. In this in-depth, qualitative case study, one family's experience with prescription drug abuse is examined using human ecological theory as a guiding framework. Findings include the powerful role played by the medical community, influence of societal biases, and family conflict. Implications for training physicians, developing clinical assessments, family treatment, and future research are discussed. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958012 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 958012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782216&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F4%2F399%3Frss%3D1 Although options for family caregivers in the United States have expanded, many families are not reached by support services because of geographical and cultural isolation. North Carolina, one of 38 states participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to the States program, targets underserved rural and minority caregivers through Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty). Under this program, families can receive up to $2,000 annually for services ranging from community-based respite to more comprehensive care (in-home and overnight respite, training, and emotional support). Services are coordinated by a family consultant (FC) at each of the program's three sites (Asheville, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem). Since the program's inception in 2001, the FCs ha... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782216 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782215&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F4%2F385%3Frss%3D1 Research on why older adults change their driving behavior has typically neglected the psychological processes involved in this change. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine relations among difficulties with driving behaviors, motives toward driving, and intent to change driving behavior. A random sample of 224 drivers aged 60 and older reported on their driving-related motives and intentions within the framework of the theory of planned behavior and reported on their driving difficulties. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the relationship between motives toward driving and intention to change driving behavior. The model had a borderline acceptable fit. Instrumental attitude and subjective norm were predictive of 30% of the variance in intentions to change driving. Pe... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782215 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782214&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F4%2F370%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceptions held by recipients of adult day services about the impact of intergenerational programming on their emotional well-being. Thirteen recipients of adult day services in a center that provided intergenerational programming participated in guided interviews. These interviews were transcribed and coded for emerging themes. Themes were contextualized in terms of the degree of involvement among study participants. Major themes included peer support, youth and enthusiasm, freedom of choice, familial connections, and being needed. Participants reported overwhelmingly positive experiences in regards to intergenerational programming. Implications for practice include validating the importance of older adults' contributions, encouraging ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782214 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782213&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F4%2F355%3Frss%3D1 Using a sample of 303 African American caregivers, this study examines if and how religious affiliation, involvement, and spiritual beliefs help caregivers in providing care to older relatives. Results show that 7% to 22% of all groups of caregivers (primary, secondary, tertiary, and tertiary only) reported receiving help from their places of worship. When church support was provided, it was mostly emotional support (i.e., advice and encouragement). An overwhelming percentage, between 78% and 86%, of all caregivers indicated that their spiritual beliefs helped them "a lot" with giving care. Through qualitative analysis, four domains of how spiritual beliefs helped caregivers emerged from the data. These four domains, in order of frequency, include the strength to endure (45%), a sense of d... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782213 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782212&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F4%2F333%3Frss%3D1 Recent research demonstrates that involvement in productive activities, particularly volunteering, has important societal and individual benefits in the contemporary aging environment. However, less attention has been paid to the structural dimension of volunteering or what encourages or discourages older people regarding volunteering. The authors present the findings from a two-phase Australian case study that explores the incentives and barriers to volunteering by those aged 50 and older, all members of a national seniors organization. Results suggest that governments and organizations need to consider many issues if more seniors are to be attracted to volunteering. Ensuring appropriate incentives to encourage volunteering was viewed as particularly important, with incentives including t... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782212 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782211&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F4%2F331%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782211 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=600404&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F305%3Frss%3D1 This article presents the latest available expenditure and participation trends (1999-2002) for three Medicaid home and community-based (HCBS) programs that serve the elderly (home health, waivers, and personal care services [PCS]) and reports a national survey of policies used on these programs in 2002. Although the trend data show a rise in elderly waiver and PCS programs and participation, they also reveal falling per participant expenditures in PCS programs, declining annual growth in total HCBS expenditures, and large interstate variations in elderly waivers. The use of cost control policies such as spending caps and large waiver waiting lists in many states contribute to the gap between demand and supply for Medicaid HCBS for the elderly. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=600404 Wed, 09 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 600404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=600403&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F290%3Frss%3D1 This study uses mixed methods to explore opinions of nursing home professionals and state nursing home regulation inspection team members about the regulation process and ideas for changing it in the State of Missouri. Data come from a survey of nursing home professionals (n = 334) and state regulation inspectors (n =123) conducted in early 2004. Findings show disagreement about who is responsible for facilitating nursing home compliance; nursing home professionals desire state assistance in interpreting and applying regulations, whereas inspectors do not believe this will improve quality of care. Greater focus on resident needs may provide common ground for bridging this divide and developing interventions to ensure regulatory success. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=600403 Wed, 09 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 600403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=600402&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F274%3Frss%3D1 Differences among four subgroups of older adults seeking employment—midlife career changers aged 40 to 55, displaced workers aged 56 to 61, younger retirees aged 62 to 69, and older retirees aged 70 or older—were examined. The underlying assumption was that different subgroups of older adults have different motivations for seeking employment. To test this assumption, a 71-item survey measuring subgroups of older adults, their motivation to work, the extent to which they wanted to engage in work, and their need for satisfaction and achievement through work was administered at several public agencies in inland southern California. One hundred one older adults volunteered to participate in the study. The results of a one-way multivariate analysis of variance showed that older adul... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=600402 Wed, 09 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 600402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=600401&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F258%3Frss%3D1 This study examines age distribution and risk factors for the onset of severe disability among community-dwelling older adults with functional limitations. Data were obtained from the initial community-dwelling sample (n = 6,088) of the National Long-Term Care Survey in 1982 and the follow-up interviews in 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. Multiple proportional hazard regression was conducted using age at onset of severe disability as the dependent variable. Explanatory variables included chronic diseases and sociodemographic and personal characteristics. Of the 3,485 elders who were not severely disabled initially, 1,364 were identified as developing severe disability over time. The onset age ranged from 66 to 109 years with the peak occurring at 82 to 83 years. The predictors for earlier onset... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=600401 Wed, 09 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 600401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=600400&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F239%3Frss%3D1 Shared site intergenerational programs (SSIP) unite disparate age groups in quasi-kin relationships and meet the care needs of multiple generations of families. SSIPs can effectively support development through intergenerational relationships. However, many programs prove unsustainable. The authors conducted a case study of an established SSIP serving frail older adults and preschool-aged children using surveys and interviews from parents, family caregivers, and older adult clients with dementia. Benefits included appreciation for diversity, formation of close intergenerational relationships, and enhanced client self-esteem. Challenges related to developmental differences and need for greater communication with families. SSIPs can benefit individuals, families, and human services organizat... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=600400 Wed, 09 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 600400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577181&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F208%3Frss%3D1 Deficiency citations for medication use in nursing homes, including those for psychoactive drug use, are examined. The variables of interest include eight structural and market factors. Data primarily came from the 1997 through 2003 Online Survey, Certification and Recording data and the 2004 Area Resource File. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with generalized estimating equations and multinomial logistic regression models with Huber-White robust estimation. Smaller nursing homes and high Medicaid reimbursement rates were consistently significantly associated with fewer deficiency citations in general and fewer repeat deficiency citations. For the other structural and market factors, varying results were identified depending on whether the deficiency citation was specif... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577181 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577180&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F182%3Frss%3D1 This article aims at studying this process by examining the experiences of a sample of Canadian elderly and their caregivers, born in Quebec and in Haiti. The article highlights that in spite of diversity, moving in together usually occurs in stages and follows a relatively lengthy process in which transitory living arrangements are not uncommon. In addition, a range of events, hospital stays in particular, act as markers between stages or shorten their duration. It appears that cohabitation trajectories differ according to origin and generational group. Noteworthy is that home-care services did not greatly influence the cohabitation decision of respondents from either group. Most respondents claim that the decision to relocate together was consensual but motivated by a variety of reasons.... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577180 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577179&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F157%3Frss%3D1 This article describes a case study of the efforts put forth by one local lead agency—United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County (USOAC). To facilitate environmental and policy changes that would enable and encourage walking by older adults, USOAC implemented several strategies including organizing a local task force with broad professional representation, conducting environmental audits of selected walking routes, creating walking groups, organizing an annual healthy living festival, collaborating with public health marketing and community livability initiatives, and advocating for environmental and policy change. Evaluation processes yielded information indicating a variety of successes, challenges, and lessons learned that could be applied to similar WN4S efforts undertaken by c... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577179 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577178&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F139%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluated an evidence-based intervention for depression delivered by case managers in three community-based service agencies to high-risk, diverse older adults. Case managers were trained to provide screening and assessment, education, referral and linkage, and behavioral activation. Outcomes addressed depression, general health status, social and physical activation, and mental health services use at baseline and 6 months. Participants (n = 94) were predominantly women (79%) and Hispanic (44%), with a mean age of 72 years. Mean Geriatric Depression Scale—15 scores differed significantly between baseline and 6 months (9.0 versus 5.5). At 6 months, significantly more participants knew how to get help for depression (68% versus 93%), reported that increasing activity helped ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577178 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577177&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F120%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study is to analyze the 31-item Perceived Caregiver Burden scale (PCB-31) formulated by Stommel, Given, and Given (1990). A multistage probability sample was used to derive a sample of 259 caregivers of the elderly in Allahabad City, India. Prior to the study, Indian experts in aging reviewed the perceived burden scale and recommended a more concise 17-item scale with four subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure, and results failed to support all the items; however, it did suggest a 12-item, three-factor model. This 12-item scale, which includes impacts on financial burden, abandonment by extended family, and sense of entrapment, fit the data well. The PCB-12 also had concurrent validity as it correlated with the revised... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577177 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577176&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F2%2F119%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577176 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 577176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348934&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F95%3Frss%3D1 Special care units (SCUs) for nursing home residents with dementia continue to proliferate rapidly. However, the research findings on the benefits of these units for residents and staff vary. Using a large sample from 38 randomly selected facilities in two states, this study examines job satisfaction and intention to quit for SCU and traditional-unit nursing staff. SCU staff report significantly higher job satisfaction and less likelihood of quitting than those on traditional units. Multivariate analyses examining demographic, environmental, and personal relationship variables indicate that the benefits to staff of working on an SCU depend significantly on the positive relationships that staff have with supervisors, coworkers, and families. Nursing home units of all types should strive to ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348934 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348933&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F78%3Frss%3D1 Long-term care organizations are facing rapid environmental changes given recent market and policy changes, which include the implementation of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA; 1997), the growthof managed care, the increased number of nursing home alternatives, and nurse staffing shortages. Using survey data, this study examined urban and/or rural differences in the environment perceptions across long-term care provider types in Pennsylvania: nursing homes, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities. In addition, it analyzed how long-term care organizations have responded to the implementation of the BBA (1997). Results show that urban and rural long-term care providers have similarities and differences in their environmental perceptions and in their response to environmental change... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348933 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348932&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F58%3Frss%3D1 Computer-mediated support groups (CMSG) for family caregivers are proliferating; however, actual social support needs of potential CMSG users and their expectations regarding CMSG use have not been studied. The authors used path analysis to investigate how the responses of 118 family caregivers to scales measuring the importance to them of four dimensions of social support (CASS-I), their expectations regarding three dimensions of CMSG technology (CATS-E) and their demographic characteristics were interrelated. Caregiver gender and race were related to two of four CASS-I scores; caregiver education, gender, and race were directly related to two of the three CATS-E scores; and gender and race also were indirectly related to two of three CATS-E scores through their impact on CASS-I scores. R... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348932 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348931&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 Based on 6,444 deceased respondents ages 80 to 105 years from the first three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, the authors use multilevel modeling to examine how community development, individual sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and health resources affect place of death. Results show that 92% of Chinese oldest old die at home, with 7% dying in hospitals and 1% at institutions. Analyses indicate that residents from relatively developed communities in China tend to have a higher chance of hospital and/or institutional deaths; individuals with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and worsening health are more likely to experience hospital deaths; those who have pension and/or public and/or collective free medical services are more likely to die in ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348931 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348930&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F17%3Frss%3D1 This article reports the findings of an assessment of health issues of seniors in a community with a rapidly increasing population of seniors. The core assessment tool was a telephone survey of a randomly selected sample of community-residing seniors. The two supplementary methods were a survey of those who provide regular care for seniors and focus groups of minority and low-income seniors. These three methods provided valuable information individually and collectively. These findings support the assertion made by the authors that supplementary evaluation of especially informative subgroups is valuable for a comprehensive characterization of the health of community-residing seniors. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348930 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348929&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F4%3Frss%3D1 In recent years, journal editors have issued loud and earnest calls for high-quality manuscripts based on qualitative methods. Yet, in reviewing the past several years of gerontological journals, including the Journal of Applied Gerontology (JAG), the authors noticed that the rate at which qualitative papers are published has held steady at modest percentages of the total number of published works. This essay explores this seemingly contradictory situation by providing insights into several key questions: Why are not more research articles published that use qualitative methods? Why is it important that qualitative researchers publish their works in applied venues like the JAG? What should authors of qualitative pieces keep in mind when developing their manuscripts? (Source: Journal of App... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348929 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=348928&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=348928 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 348928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235476&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F5%2F427%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235476 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235475&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F5%2F406%3Frss%3D1 An intergenerational intervention strategy called Generation Station was established and field tested at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in central Pennsylvania over a 13-month period beginning in 2001. With the goal of exposing residents to a broad range of possibilities for intergenerational contact, the emphasis of this intervention was on building the institution’s capacity to conduct intergenerational programs rather than on creating a finite, activity-specific program. The process involved identifying local children and youth programs, engaging administrators in interagency dialogue, and formulating intergenerational program-matic links based on complementary objectives and curricula of local organizations. Results were drawn from interviews conducted with CCRC re... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235475 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235474&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F5%2F391%3Frss%3D1 This study elucidates the oldest olds’ leisure repertoire and how this repertoire varies due to gender, where they live, and cognitive status. A validated 20-item leisure interest checklist with four subscales was used to measure leisure participation and investigate the leisure repertoire among participants. The oldest old were most likely to be interested in, perform, be motivated for, and perceive well-being from social activities, cultural activities, and TV/video/movies. The respondents were least likely to be interested in, perform, be motivated for, and perceive well-being from equipment sports and ball games. Some gender, geographic differences, and differences in cognitive status were found. The oldest old were more likely to endorse the same activities across all subscales ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235474 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235473&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F5%2F375%3Frss%3D1 Using secondary data analysis of three waves of data from the Americans’ Changing Lives surveys, this study examines what resources in terms of human, social, and cultural capital are needed in volunteerism and whether there is any age cohort difference in the relationships of volunteerism with human, social, and cultural capital. Interaction terms between age cohort and resources were created and the effects were tested through the generalized estimating equations method. The findings show older cohorts relied more on human capital and social integration to expand volunteer hours and organizational involvement, whereas younger people needed more spiritual and social supports to increase volunteer commitment. These research findings point to the importance of developing resources for... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235473 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235472&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F5%2F356%3Frss%3D1 The article provides a sociodemographic and socioeconomic portrait of individuals in the direct-care workforce. Multinomial logistic regression is used to compare socioeconomic and sociodemographic predictors of part-time and full-time employment in the direct-care occupation and other occupations using data from the 2003 and 2004 Annual Social and Economic Surveys. The results indicate that race, limited education, and having children younger than age 6 are significant predictors of full-time employment in direct care. Full-time and part-time direct-care employees are significantly less likely to have job-related health insurance than those in other occupations. Despite the recognized needs of older Americans and the decreasing number of women available to provide such care, development o... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235472 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=235471&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F5%2F343%3Frss%3D1 To expand our knowledge on the role of religiosity in African American culture, this study assessed the associations among religiosity, adherence to traditional African American culture, and psychological well-being. Regression models of psychological well-being, indexed with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, were tested using a representative sample of 255 community-dwelling African American older adults in Hillsborough County, Florida. The direct effect of religiosity was found to be significant for both depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. A significant interaction between religiosity and adherence to African American culture was observed in the prediction of life satisfaction. Further analyses indicated that the positive effect of religiosity on life satisfaction was str... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=235471 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100 235471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=95048&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F4%2F324%3Frss%3D1 This study examined health literacy, social support, and their relations to health status and health care use among older adults. The survey design and data were from a project that examined the prevalence of low health literacy among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a national managed care organization. Results indicate that compared to the high health literacy group, enrollees with low health literacy were more likely to receive medical information support and health reminder support. However, they were less likely to receive tangible support for their health care needs. In both health literacy groups, medical information support and health reminder support were associated with lower physical health and mental health status. Tangible support was associated with highe... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=95048 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100 95048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=95047&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F4%2F307%3Frss%3D1 This research applies a stress-and-social-support conceptual model to investigate the effects of personal and facility characteristics, job-related and personal stressors, and social support in the workplace on nursing assistant (NA) satisfaction with supervision. Survey data are from in-person interviews with 338 NAs employed at 22 skilled nursing facilities. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the model's goodness of fit. Results show that personal stressors (family, financial, and health concerns) have the greatest impact on satisfaction with supervision. Positive support in the workplace attenuated the effects of job-related stressors on the outcome. Findings suggest NAs'personal stressors require careful attention from supervisory and human resources staff because they ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=95047 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100 95047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=95046&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F4%2F291%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the effectiveness of participation in EnhanceFitness (EF) (formerly the Lifetime Fitness Program), an established community-based group exercise program for older adults. EF incorporated performance and health status measure testing in year 2000. Initial performance was compared to age and gender-based norms to classify participants as within or at or above normal limits (WNL) or below (BNL). In 2,889 participants who participated in outcomes testing, improvements were observed at 4 and 8 months on performance tests for both subgroups. Participants’ self-rating of health improved at 8 months. All participants improved on performance tests. Implementation of performance-based measures in community studies is possible. Challenges included selecting measures, staff t... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=95046 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100 95046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=95045&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F4%2F275%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluates the economic impact of elderly amenity seekers on the local economies of a community in the Pearl River Delta and the original community of Hong Kong. Community surveys and participant observation were used to collect data, and equations were formulated to calculate the economic impact. The findings show that the expenditure of the respondents generated a substantial economic impact on the local economy of the host community but had a nonnegligible adverse economic impact on Hong Kong. The expenditure patterns and levels of the respondents varied greatly from those of retiree in-migrants in Western societies. Strategies for inducing elderly amenity seekers to communities and for conducting further studies are suggested. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=95045 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100 95045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3507&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F252%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the extent to which residents who are functionally independent express positive and negative attitudes toward residents who live in the nursing wards of the same facilities and investigates the factors that best explain the differences in their attitudes, in particular the effect of type of the facility. The study was conducted in two facilities, one characterized by integration between the residents who are functionally independent and the residents who are disabled, and the second by separation. In each facility a sample of 70 residents who are functionally independent was selected and interviewed face-to-face, using a structured questionnaire. The findings showed that, with regard to positive attitudes, no significant differences were found between the residents of t... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3507 Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 3507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3506&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F234%3Frss%3D1 This article is focused on the profound psychosocial and existential suffering that was experienced by many of the nursing home residents who were part of a larger study that examined end-of-life experiences in nursing homes. Data were collected using a case study approach, incorporating observations, interviews, and document review. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data. The narratives of two residents are used as exemplars. Through these narratives, specific examples of physical, psychosocial, and existential suffering are revealed. Suffering as an essential aspect of the human condition is explored within the context of nursing homes as systems of care for older adults. Attention to suffering is integral to quality of life, yet few nursing homes have integrated the diagn... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3506 Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 3506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F214%3Frss%3D1 By making information about long-term-care facilities readily available, consumers in need of services are able to compare facilities and select one that is best for the elder. However, it is unclear how much information is available for residential care settings. In this investigation, an Internet search was performed to determine what information is available in each state. It was found that most states had a number of descriptive indicators. The way in which the information was displayed varied substantially among states, and very little quality-of-care information was available. Although the authors found a variety of useful information, they offer some suggestions to standardize the way in which the information could be presented, thus allowing a direct comparison between residential ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505 Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 3505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F197%3Frss%3D1 This article provides an overview of the evaluation of evidence-based health promotion programs for older adults and introduces an upcoming series of related articles in the Journal of Applied Gerontology. With an aging population, a growing demand for health promotion and chronic disease self-management programs, and limited resources, evaluators must provide leadership to identify positive outcomes for adult older clients, inform program planning, and provide accountability to funders. The article addresses the following topics: the need for assessing the effectiveness of programs; research-based foundations for evaluation, specifically the RE-AIM model; the role of the evaluator; and guiding principles for evaluation and theoretical models that drive measurement. It concludes with the d... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504 Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 3504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3503&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F3%2F195%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3503 Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 3503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3512&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F173%3Frss%3D1 This study tests the hypothesis derived from Omoto and Snyder’s context-and-process model that sense of community is an independent predictor of volunteering among young-old adults. A secondary analysis was carried out on data from the U.S. Survey of Midlife Development using respondents 60-74 years old (N = 653). Controlling for demographic factors and human, social, and cultural capital variables, a logistic regression model indicated that as sense of community increased, the likelihood of volunteering increased. Among the control variables, working 40 or more hr per week (relative to not working) and being divorced, separated, or widowed (relative to being married) were associated with lower rates of volunteering. The likelihood of volunteering increased as education, organization... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3512 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F153%3Frss%3D1 Twenty-four residents in six assisted living facilities and one retirement community across three counties in South Carolina participated in a study to gain an understanding of older adults’ perception of depression in long-term-care (LTC) settings. Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, Meaning Survey (MS), a journal, and a follow-up interview. Spiritual meaning regarding physical and mental health was self-reported from the MS. Five questions were included in the journals regarding emotional, physical, and social health. Results indicate that journaling may be an appropriate investigative tool for researchers, and LTC facilities’ efforts should be channeled to increase the availability and quality of mental health services to residents. Regular residential dep... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3510&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F137%3Frss%3D1 This article examine sageism in a range of political, social, and cultural manifestos that have a productive role in encoding tacit assumptions and stereotypes about older people’s lives. Particular attention is given to the pervasive use of the concept of "dependency," a stereotypic and productive ageist mechanism that continues to infiltrate what are arguably more inclusive strategies directed toward a global model of aging well. The authors explore some potential strategies to combat stereotypes and warn that aging well initiatives based on individualism and "self-responsibility" risk reproducing existing power relations that continue to inform ageist stereotypes. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3510 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3509&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F120%3Frss%3D1 The federally mandated ombudsman program is a part of a deterrence approach to improving nursing home care. The author investigated whether nursing home administrators’(NHAs) views of volunteer resident advocates’ work would predict attributions of antifacility bias to ombudsman programs. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed from questionnaires completed by 199 NHAs. Perceptions of volunteers as aggressive and as hindrances, the belief that issues would be resolved without the program, and little contact with volunteers predicted an antifacility bias. There were four types of administrators who articulated needed improvements in ombudsman programs: positive activists, adversarials, collaborators, and educators. Strained relationships between NHAs and those who m... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3509 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F103%3Frss%3D1 Effective facility-based continuing care of persons diagnosed with dementia requires trust and cooperation between the professional caregivers and the families of the residents. Miscommunications may affect many aspects of staff-family relationships. The knowledge and expectations of these groups, however, are typically quite different. The purpose of this study was to compare families, direct caregivers, and other staff and volunteers on their perception of the degree to which residents’ needs were being met. Although these groups agreed that the majority of needs were being met adequately, the groups did differ. Specifically, compared to families and other staff and volunteers, the direct caregivers were more critical of bedside care, their own professional training, and the work o... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3518&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F82%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TC) on lower extremity strength and balance and confidence in performing daily activities. Residents (n = 77) living independently in a continuing care retirement community were randomized to early or late TC instructional groups. The late group served as the control for the first 20 weeks. Measures of strength, balance, and confidence were assessed at baseline, 10, 20, and 40 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline in mean number of chronic illnesses, medications, falls, and activities of daily living. Repeated-measures analyses revealed significant improvement for the early and late groups during their respective periods of TC instruction, but not otherwise. Confidence ratings were unaffect... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3518 Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3517&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F65%3Frss%3D1 This study reports findings from an evaluation of adult day care that are drawn from ANOVAs based on a comparative longitudinal design. To obtain a suitable outcome measure considering all relevant dimensions of caregiver stress, qualitative data from semistructured caregiving interviews were analyzed using content analytical techniques. Response scales were developed to assess the intensity of caregiving stress to allow for further statistical analyses. Results from the ANOVAs showed that use of day care significantly reduced conflicts between caregiving and job requirements, caregiving and family needs, and recreational constrictions. It is important to note that day care is effective in reducing specific, but not all, aspects of caregiving stress. For an adequate assessment of intervent... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3517 Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3516&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F49%3Frss%3D1 This study explored whether reading habits and metamemory are related to older adults'knowledge of two primary components of the Medicare program, original Medicare and Medicare managed care (MMC). The sample included 1,111 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Regression analyses indicated that reading habits and metamemory significantly predicted Medicare knowledge, even after controlling for education, time spent reading Medicare educational materials, and other variables previously found to be associated with knowledge. Results varied according to the type of knowledge measured, possibly due to greater cognitive functioning required to understand MMC plans. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3516 Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F31%3Frss%3D1 This article examines the preference of elder consumers for family caregiving, family caregivers' willingness to work for them, and what quality of care means to these elders and their families. It draws on 26 interviews with elders and their family caregivers who participated in Arkansas's Cash and Counseling Program, as part of a consumer-directed national research project. Elders chose family members as caregivers to control the type and scheduling of the care they received. Both elders and family caregivers valued care that took place in the context of a reciprocal relationship. Policy implications include the suitability of consumer direction for elder consumers, an understanding of the way elders define quality of care, and the experience of family caregivers in a consumer-directed p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515 Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3514&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F17%3Frss%3D1 An essential aspect of aging is successful coping. This entails learning how to deal effectively with change, losses, disappointments, and decline. The present study examined the relationship between coping, social support, daily hassles, functional disability, and physical and psychological health status in a sample of 224 community-residing older adults. Data were collected using a confidential and anonymous questionnaire. Results of structural equation analyses showed that social support was associated with fewer daily hassles. Social support was also indirectly related to daily hassles—that is, by increasing proactive coping. Further results indicated that proactive coping was inversely related to health hassles and functional disability. Proactive coping also was indirectly rela... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3514 Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0100 3514