The house looked as if she'd brushed it over with a hurried hand. Things were open-drawers, cans, and closets. A pile of newspapers fanned out across the floor by the front door, and still I did not wonder. She must have dropped them as she ran, I thought. My mother was often late. But had I stopped to look, I would have seen the fear in the way the house had settled-a footstool that lay on its side, several books that had fallen from their shelves. When you count back, you can see a story from the end. I like that-the seemingly natural narrative that forms this way. With the end in my hand, the story becomes mine. I can have it all make sense, or I can lose my mind like she lost hers-like I lost her. But I can have my story. Walking the Night Road speaks to the experience of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness and the difficulties of encountering death. Alexandra Butler, daughter of the Pulitzer Prize-winning gerontologist Robert N. Butler and respected social worker and psychotherapist Myrna Lewis, composes a lyrical yet unsparing portrait of caring for her mother during her sudden, quick decline from brain cancer. Her rich account shares the strains of caregiving on both the provider and the person receiving care and recognizes the personal and professional sacrifices caregivers must make to fulfill the role. More than a memoir of dying and grief, Butler's account also tests many of the theories her parents pioneered in their work on healthy aging. Authors of such seminal works as Love and Sex After Sixty, Butler's parents were forced to rethink many of the tenets they lived by while Myrna was incapacitated, and Butler's father found himself relying heavily on his daughter to provide his wife's care. Butler's poignant and unflinching story is therefore a rare examination of the intimate aspects of aging and death experienced by practitioners who suddenly find themselves in the difficult position of the clients they once treated.

"Language, Society and the Elderly" is the first concerted attempt to give a social account of language and interaction in later life. The book gives a detailed critique of the cognitive bias of existing studies of elderly people's language. In its place, the authors propose a socially-based approach which explains how older people's life circumstances, concerns, goals and beliefs influence their styles of interaction. But social stereotypes of old age and a generally ageist social climate limit the roles available to elderly people. In detailed analyses of talk between elderly people and younger adults, the authors show how age and health identifies are negotiated. They look particularly at sequences of troubles-telling and moments of painful self-disclosure by elderly people, examining how even "supportive" talk to the elderly can threaten identity and reinforce social divisions. "Language, Society and the Elderly" opens up an entirely new field for sociolinguistics. It also shows how studies of language and interaction can contribute to theory in social gerontology, and to policy and practice in medical and caring contexts.

This eminently practical book applies the task-centered model to gerontological practice across various settings (community based, hospital based, home healthcare, etc.). After an introductory chapter presenting demographic background information and outlining the common problems and needs of an elderly population, the book describes the continuum of care and the principal providers of services.

"Gerontological Social Work" features in-depth coverage of specific client problems, such as physical or mental health, caregiving, home and personal safety, senior living, and long-term care arrangements. A series of task planners offer a menu of possible actions that can resolve or alleviate a designated problem. Rating scales, schedules, and other forms assist the practitioner and client in the intervention process. An appendix classified by topic lists hundreds of Web sites related to work with the elderly.

Traditionally, dementia has been defined primarily in terms of loss: loss of cognitive and communicative competencies, loss of identity, loss of personal relationships. People living with dementia have been portrayed as increasingly dependent on others, with their loved ones seen more as care givers than as spouses, children and relatives. However, in the last two decades this view of the person living with dementia as an 'empty vessel' has been increasingly challenged, and the focus has shifted from one of care to one of helping people to live with dementia. With contributions from an international range of expert authors, Living with Dementia strongly advocates this new perspective through in-depth discussion of what people with dementia and their loved ones can do, and how they can actively make use of remaining resources. Topics covered include: - How to involve people with dementia in collaborative activities in the home, and the benefits this has on their cognitive and communicative abilities. - Ways in which identity can be presented and preserved through storytelling, and the impact on identity of moving from home into residential care. - The benefits of a 'citizenship' approach to dementia: of recognising that a person living with dementia is an active agent, with the right to self-determination and the ability to exert power over their own lives. This important new contribution to the dementia debate is truly enlightening reading for students across the full range of health and social care disciplines, and offers a fresh perspective to existing practitioners and those who care for people with dementia.

"Gerontological Practice for the Twenty-first Century" meets the need for state-of-the-art information on practice approaches with older patients that are age-specific and empirically based, blend "micro" and "macro" views, and reflect current themes in the aging and social work fields. The book is designed as a text for students and as a professional resource for practitioners. Clearly written, the book offers an expert and comprehensive review of the current literature and focuses on issues relating to the most vulnerable older people. "Gerontological Practice for the Twenty-first Century" also features case illustrations throughout and brief end-of-chapter questions for review.

The book has four parts. Part 1 reviews current and classic theories of aging and proposes an original framework for an integrative approach to practice with older people that incorporates both individual and policy-level interventions. The approach is based on current themes such as a life course perspective, heterogeneity, diversity, and inequality. Part 2 covers such common and important psychological problems among older individuals, as anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse, and dementia, and describes appropriate, evidence-based interventions. Part 3 considers the social psychological picture by discussing working with older families, end-of-life care, bereavement, and work and retirement. Part 4 focuses on core sociopolitical issues in the lives of older people: economic policy, poverty, health policy, quality-of-life concerns, and social services.

Current, authoritative, and original, this single-volume gerontology resource will be of valuable use to graduate students and practitioners.

While bringing joy to others, can these two Christmas helpers also find some for themselves?Seren's great aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially around Christmas when Seren learns that Nelly and the other residents can't enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing for gifts in the shops. So what if Seren brings the shops to them? Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant - and handsome - Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season. But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much-needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone? A delightfully heartwarming and funny festive romance for fans of Rebecca Raisin and Sue Moorcroft. Praise for The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop 'Oh I adored this book. It is feel-good, romantic, adorable and joyful. A heartwarming, enjoyable read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. I loved it.' Reader review 'This was such a cosy and lovely read - perfect escapism. I loved the delights that this book had to offer - lots of romance, friendships and quirky characters. A definite feel-good read.' Reader review 'This was so cute! A wonderful romance, filled with witty banter, delightful characters, and just enough steaminess. A must read for romance lovers!' Reader review 'Wow wow wow. This is my kind of book. Snow, Christmas , interfering Aunts, a retirement home, a lovely love story, bad ex's and a painful boss... You have to read it.' Reader review 'Lilac Mills + Christmas = is there more of a perfect combination? A real fun, sweet, entertaining, cosy read, perfect for any time of the year, but I expect it would hit even harder nearer the end of the year, filling you with ultimate Christmas cheer.' Reader review

Exploring the key issues around anti-discriminatory practice for professionals working in mental health services, this book looks at ways to improve the health and social care of older people from minority and excluded communities. The chapters explore the issues involved in working with individuals from a range of minority groups, such as LGBT people, people with learning disabilities, people from black and minority ethnic communities, homeless people and people with dementia. The chapters cover important theory and research into discrimination, ageing and identity. Contributions from experts in the fields of mental health and working with minority groups provide practical insights into developing anti-discriminatory practice.There is also practical advice on culturally appropriate support for carers, cultural competency in end of life care, working with interpreters, and celebrating diversity, accompanied by supporting practical resources. This comprehensive book will provide mental health practitioners and students with an essential understanding of anti-discriminatory practice.

Presenting research findings from recent studies which use innovative, creative approaches, including pilot projects led by the authors in the UK and Brazil, this book provides an accessible, timely, practical and jargon-free overview of how music and films are currently used in nursing homes, dementia wards and day-care centres for the older population. Drawing on the expertise of researchers, health care professionals and carers, the book looks at the experience of both stakeholder groups - carers and the cared-for. It provides useful, unique insights into how we might tackle the pressing real-world challenge posed by an ageing global population and attendant increase in the number of those living with dementia. Complemented by a downloadable 'best-practice' toolkit that contains tips and materials relating to film- and music-related activities for use by carers (both professionals and family members), this book fills a gap in the market by providing both academic responses and practical solutions to a critical global challenge.

Introducing life story work, a way for people with dementia to connect with their relatives, carers and the professionals working with them. This evidence-based book explains the many benefits of life story work, with practical guidance for introducing it in a variety of settings. The authors show how life story work can empower people with dementia to inform care practitioners and family members what care and support they may need now and in the future, by taking into account their past and their future wishes and aspirations. The book includes practical information on how to get started, ethical considerations such as consent and confidentiality, and considers issues of diversity and how to address them. The voices of practitioners, researchers and family carers sit alongside those of people living with dementia to present a wide-range of perspectives on life story work.

Industrialised countries worldwide are confronting the prospect of a steadily ageing population. This up-to-date book reflects the breadth of research into gerontology and analyses the major themes and issues in the area of ageing and social policy in both an Australian context and from an international comparative perspective. Topics discussed include unemployment, education, and housing for the aged. Added to this is the contemporary influence of multiculturalism and the challenge it poses to policies and programs that must cater for a growing diversity in the ageing population. A special focus is given to the situation of women and Aboriginal Australians and the specific structural disadvantages they face. This book is essential reading for students and policy-makers in sociology, social and public policy, gerontology, and public health.

Whether increasing life expectancy leads to better health remains still controversial. The authors contribute to the discussion on trends and patterns in health among the elderly by focusing on vanguard groups, the social and behavioral determinants of health, and the trends and patterns among vulnerable groups, particularly migrants. These three topics are embedded in the context of current international research interests, and feature prominently alongside the individual research questions each article addresses. From the Contents: * Welfare State and Disability. The relationship between stroke and disability depends on the health care system * Spatial Patterns of Dementia Prevalence and its Vascular Risk Factors in Germany * Does Education Matter for Incidence and Prevalence in Long-term Care Among the Elderly in Germany? Evidence from German Micro Census Panel data (2001-2004) * Spatial Patterns in German Long-term Care and their Relationship with Socioeconomic Factors * Mental Health Among Immigrants. Is there a disadvantage in later life?

This book explores many of these aspects of ageing in Ireland today. It is envisaged that it will serve as an appraisal of policy developments to date and as a point of departure for future challenges. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students eager to familiarise themselves with the challenges for older people, their families, service providers and policy makers. It is a resource for those approaching gerontology for the first time and introduces conceptual and theoretical writings on ageing.The book is pertinent to a range of training courses for social workers, psychologists, doctors, nurses and care workers and the same professional groups employed in working with older people. It has relevance for the vast array of agencies engaged in policy creation and implementation in this area. Each chapter addresses a specific area of social policy, forming a complete unit in itself. Taken together, the chapters provide the reader with a readily accessible and wide-ranging overview of ageing and social policy in Ireland.

This practical handbook will empower activity coordinators and carers to run safe, rewarding and health-giving dance and movement sessions with older people, including with those who are frail, who have limited mobility or who are living with dementia. The authors describe the many benefits of dance and movement for older people, and address important practical considerations such as carrying out risk assessments, safety issues, adaptations for specific health conditions and disabilities and how to select appropriate props and music. Step-by-step instructions for 20 dances and movements drawn from a wide range of eras, cultures and traditions are then provided. Ranging from Can Can and Charleston to hand jive, morris dancing, sea shanties and traditional hymns with movements, there is something to suit every mood and occasion. This is an essential resource for activity coordinators and carers working with older people in care homes and day centres.

Personalisation builds on person-centred care to focus on how people with dementia can have more choice and control over decisions affecting them, and be supported to be part of their communities. This practical guide explains how to deliver personalised services and support for people with dementia through simple, evidence-based person-centred practices. The authors clearly explain personalisation and current person-centred thinking and practice, providing many vivid examples of how it has been achieved in community as well as residential care settings. They guide the reader through using a range of person-centred practices. Strategies for ensuring a good match between the person with dementia and the staff and volunteers supporting them are also described. In the final chapter, the reader is introduced to Progress for Providers, a photocopiable tool for tracking progress in delivering appropriate personalised support for people with dementia living in care homes. This is essential reading for dementia care practitioners and managers, as well as social and health care workers, community workers and students.

This publication presents a study on the availability and provision of long-term care (LTC) in Sri Lanka. It discusses findings from the analysis and offers recommendations for the development of LTC systems in the country. Contributing to the development of an in-depth knowledge base on LTC, the publication explores the need for and supply of care, regulatory and policy frameworks, service provision, quality management, human resources, and financing. It is one of six country diagnostic studies-the others on Indonesia, Mongolia, Tonga, Thailand, and Viet Nam-prepared under the ADB technical assistance 9111: Strengthening Developing Member Countries' Capacity in Elderly Care.

"When Movements Matter" accounts for the origins of Social Security as we know it. The book tells the overlooked story of the Townsend Plan--a political organization that sought to alleviate poverty and end the Great Depression through a government-provided retirement stipend of $200 a month for every American over the age of sixty.

Both the Townsend Plan, which organized two million older Americans into Townsend clubs, and the wider pension movement failed to win the generous and universal senior citizens' pensions their advocates demanded. But the movement provided the political impetus behind old-age policy in its formative years and pushed America down the track of creating an old-age welfare state.

Drawing on a wealth of primary evidence, historical detail, and arresting images, Edwin Amenta traces the ups and downs of the Townsend Plan and its elderly leader Dr. Francis E. Townsend in the struggle to remake old age. In the process, Amenta advances a new theory of when social movements are influential.

The book challenges the conventional wisdom that U.S. old-age policy was a result mainly of the Depression or farsighted bureaucrats. It also debunks the current view that America immediately embraced Social Security when it was adopted in 1935. And it sheds new light on how social movements that fail to achieve their primary goals can still influence social policy and the way people relate to politics.

Health and social care practitioners are increasingly called upon to provide care to elderly people from a number of different faiths and cultures. This collection of essays examines ageing in the context of the many faiths and cultures that make up Western society, and provides carers with the knowledge they need to deliver sensitive and appropriate care to people of all faiths. Chapters are written by authoritative figures from each of the world's major faith groups about the beliefs and practices of their older people. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist perspectives are covered, as well as those of ageing veterans and ageing religious sisters. Issues of appropriate care are also addressed, and the book includes recommendations for policy and practice. This accessible and inspiring book will be a useful text for academics, policy makers and practitioners in health and social care, aged care workers, pastoral carers, chaplains and religious professionals, in hospital, residential and other care settings.

This report discusses how Sri Lanka can prepare for the challenges of an aging population. By 2050, Sri Lanka will go through an unprecedented demographic transition into an aging population at a lower level of per capita income than other aging economies. This publication analyzes the living arrangements and incomes of the over-60s in Sri Lanka, and patterns and trends of aging. It identifies the challenges the country is likely to face and suggests how policy makers can tackle them.

Caring for a parent whose health is in decline turns the world upside down. The emotional fallout can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be that way. This is an empathic guidance from an expert who's been there can help. Through an account of two sisters and their ailing mother - interwoven with no-nonsense advice - The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers helps family members navigate tough decisions and make the most of their time together as they care for an aging parent. The author urges readers to be honest about the level of commitment they're able to make, and emphasizes the need for clear communication with each other and their aging parent. While acknowledging their guilt, stress, and fatigue, he helps caregivers reaffirm emotional connections worn thin by the routine of daily care. This compassionate book will help families everywhere avoid burnout and preserve bonds during one of life's most difficult passages.

Aging and Social Policy in the United States guides students through an exploration of social policies and policymaking that address the needs of older adults and their families. It situates the experiences of older adults in the context of their environment, examining social welfare policies that affect the rights and interests of older adults. The book begins with an introductory unit, providing a foundation for the book, defining key terms, describing how to analyze the impacts of a policy on a population, and examining the ways in which policy is positioned within societal assumptions. Utilizing the life course perspective, the middle three units of this book situate individual biological and psychological challenges of aging in the context of how they are addressed by individuals, families, and societies, identifying the strengths and challenges of existing and proposed social policies at each of these levels. The concluding unit provides comparative insights as to how aging issues are addressed in a sample of countries around the world. Aging and Social Policy in the United States provides undergraduate and graduate students with critical knowledge and perspectives on the complexities of addressing the needs of an aging population.