This thoughtful collection based on a highly successful conference held in Calgary, Alberta, combines the views of professional gerontologists, educators, health-care specialists, and policy makers to confront the issues affecting health care for older adults in both Canada and the United States. The contributors seek not only to inform but to inspire innovative responses from the private as well as the public sector. Experts in government, ageing, medicine, public administration, social service, counselling, and consulting focus their attention on vital areas of concern to elders who are in need of assistance, to the providers of these services, and to a public who seeks assurance that its resources are cost-effectively allocated to meet present and future demand. Included are essays on the current status of health-care policy in the United States and Canada, daily money management, caring for the non-compliant elder, long-term care as an emerging women's issue, lobbying government agencies and political leaders, the role of gerontology in resolving the crisis of long-term care, and "geroethics".

A lively account of life in a decent American nursing home, this book offers an in-depth look at American geriatric facilities. Using six years of anthropological research, Joel Savishinsky analyzes the lives and experiences of residents, staff members, and volunteers. He addresses the contradictory attitudes American society has shown towards geriatric facilities and the aging process itself: the tensions between caring and curing, morality and mortality, privacy and supervision, home and institution, and selfishness and altruism.

Savishinsky portrays the strengths and weaknesses of the nursing home in a humanistic way, emphasizing how the nursing home affects the individuals who live and work there. He also discusses inventive recreation programs, such as pet therapy, suggesting they can alleviate loneliness and provide meaningful opportunities for residents. Savishinsky challenges the stereotypic view of aging and institutional life, concluding that not all nursing homes are warehouses for the dying; he offers several recommendations for improving the quality of life and work in geriatric institutions. This book is presented in nontechnical language and is valuable to the general reader as well as to professionals in health, social science, social work, and gerontology.

A groundbreaking exploration of the sociology of dementia with contributions from distinguished international scholars and practitioners. * Organised around the four themes of personhood, care, social representations and social differentiation * Provides a critical look at dementia and demonstrates how sociology and other disciplines can help us understand its social context as well as the challenges it poses * Contributing authors explore the social terrain, responding in part, to Paul Higgs and Chris Gilleard s highly influential work on ageing * Breaks new ground in giving specific attention to the social and cultural dimensions of responses to dementia

Human Services for Older Adults provides a broad overview of the conditions and context in which today's older adults live, as well as practical information on how to work with them given today's circumstances. Information is provided on the demographic characteristics of older people in America, discussing social, economic, and health problems confronting them and the needs of subgroups among the elderly population such as minority elderly, rural elderly, and older women. The book also provides information on various methods of working with older adults, and social programs available through the government, as well as other sources for meeting the needs of the elderly. The revised edition of a popular text, it is geared toward nurses, social workers, psychologists, gerontologists, counselors, and others who work in senior adult positions and settings.

People with dementia need increasingly specialised support as they approach the end of life, and so too do their families and the professionals working with them. This book describes not only what can be done to ensure maximum quality of life for those in the final stages of the illness, but also how best to support those involved in caring for them. Emphasising the importance of being attuned to the experiences and needs of the person with dementia, the authors explain why and how they should be included in decisions relating to their end of life care. Practical strategies for ensuring physical and emotional wellbeing are provided, drawing on useful examples from practice and providing solutions to potential challenges that carers and family members will face. Dilemmas surrounding end of life care are explored in detail, including the moral dilemma of medical intervention, and the authors suggest ways of supporting family members through the process in terms of providing information, helping them adjust to change and loss, and involving them in their relative's care, and at how care staff can be supported through appropriate education and training, team building and information-giving. This is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to provide compassionate, person-centred care for a person with dementia as they approach the end of life, including care staff, nurses, social workers and related professionals.

This volume presents important findings on conflict and abuse in families of the aged. A valuable resource for those in sociology, psychology, gerontology, and social work as well as psychotherapists who work with the aged, the staff of elder abuse programs, adult protective service workers, and legislators. the authors provide a fresh, historically balanced, empirical and theoretical framework for the view that elder abuse and neglect is an extreme manifestation of family conflict.

"Lisa P. Gwyther, Journal of Gernontology"

This volume presents important findings on conflict and abuse in families of the aged. A valuable resource for those in sociology, psychology, gerontology, and social work as well as psychotherapists who work with the aged, the staff of elder abuse programs, adult protective service workers, and legislators.

'Blisteringly well written, deeply humane and very funny' Daily Telegraph 'Enough to make you die laughing' Daily Mail 'Funny and moving' Daily Express Whether he's initiating a coup d'etat against new regulations with the residents, or forging a bond with the 98-year old who once called him a fat slut, Pope Lonergan's work is infinitely varied. This no-holds-barred account shows what life inside a care home is really like, for both residents and carers. Featuring night-time drama, incontinence pads and the uniquely dark humour of one double-amputee Alzheimer's patient, here you can learn everything you ever wanted to know (and a few things you probably really didn't) about Britain's care system. This important memoir challenges us all to think differently about the value of our elderly, and also the carers who look after them.

Presenting clergy and chaplains with unique therapeutic tools for helping senior adults enrich their later years, this book gives advice on how to strengthen relationships, find meaning in life and feel comfortable approaching life's final chapter. It guides clergy and chaplains through how to effectively conduct "Soul Legacy" projects, in which older people reflect on what they want to leave behind for their loved ones and how they want to be remembered after they die. It enables older people to pay loved ones personal tributes and show them how important they are. By focusing on others rather than the self, it provides comfort for loved ones as well as the senior adult, prevents loneliness and negative feelings about ageing, and helps adults gradually become comfortable with the challenges of approaching the end of life.

Can traditional arts improve an older adult's quality of life? Are arts interventions more effective when they align with an elder's cultural identity? In The Expressive Lives of Elders, Jon Kay and contributors from a diverse range of public institutions argue that such mediations work best when they are culturally, socially, and personally relevant to the participants. From quilting and canning to weaving and woodworking, this book explores the role of traditional arts and folklore in the lives of older adults in the United States, highlighting the critical importance of ethnographic studies of creative aging for both understanding the expressive lives of elders and for designing effective arts therapies and programs. Each case study in this volume demonstrates how folklore and traditional practices help elders maintain their health and wellness, providing a road map for initiatives to improve the lives and well-being of America's aging population.

Namaste Care is a therapeutic approach to caring for those living with advanced dementia, focused on improving their quality of life through a simple, soothing and rewarding process. This step-by-step guide is for anyone looking to translate the principles of the Namaste Care approach successfully and professionally into a home or care setting, with an emphasis on the value of volunteers in the community in implementing this. The Namaste Care approach is focussed on giving comfort and pleasure to people with advanced dementia through sensory stimulation, especially the use of touch, and this book provides extensive guidance on every stage of the process, including harnessing community interest, recruiting and training volunteers, and managing pain and discomfort. In a time of ever-growing strain on healthcare resources, this practical guide is a timely reminder of the power and value of informal care and compassionate communities in helping to care better for people with dementia, and is essential reading for carers, professionals and family members.

"Social Work with Older People" provides an authoritative and practical guide to working with older people in a range of settings. It addresses the complexities of individual work with older people, as well as work with families, groups and the wider community, and is not afraid to tackle the challenges as well as opportunities of practice in this area.

The book begins by explaining the demographic changes that have led to a 'greying' of the general population. It goes on to discuss the diversity in experiences of ageing across society, and the range of issues which confront older people and those who wish to work proactively with them. Clear attention is paid to the processes of assessment, care planning and review, with readers encouraged to reflect on developing good practice through case studies and exercises. Although it has a strong practical emphasis, the book also stresses the value of theoretical perspectives, with insights from fields such as sociology and psychology woven throughout the book. Clear links are also made to policy guidelines and organizational standards, without losing sight of the deeper, often more complex, issues that arise when working with older people.

"Social Work with Older People" will be essential reading for social work students and practitioners, but also for others who are interested in the development of practice with older people as citizens and service users.

In this comprehensive yet accessible guide, Brian Draper, a leading expert on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, describes the symptoms, treatment and management of dementia. Covering everything from assessment and diagnosis to drug and psychosocial treatments, community and residential care options, assistive technology, support for families and other caregivers, ethical and legal considerations, end of life decisions and the latest research and treatment developments, the book provides a complete road map for those supporting someone with dementia, in either a personal or professional capacity. The book will demystify dementia and increase understanding about why it occurs, current treatments and therapies and how it may be managed. Filled with useful information and advice, it will be an invaluable resource for relatives and carers, and a useful reference on the desk of any professional working with individuals with dementia.

Nursing homes provide care to about 1.4 million nursing home residentsaa vulnerable population of elderly and disabled individuals. CMS, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), defines standards nursing homes must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This book reviews the abuse of residents in nursing homes.

Reminiscence is a valuable tool for the professional carer as well as those who are looking after a family member or friend. It enhances and enriches the care relationship, and benefits both the person being cared for and the carer. This fully-updated fourth edition is full of practical information on planning and running successful reminiscence work. It will enable carers and health and social care practitioners to develop the attitude, knowledge, understanding, values and skills they need to use reminiscence with people of all ages, either individually or in groups, and in residential or community settings. Topics covered include reminiscence with individuals and couples, inter-generational reminiscence, reminiscence with individuals from minority ethnic groups and reminiscence with people with sensory and learning disabilities, dementia, depression and terminal illness. This book is the ideal starting point for any professional taking up reminiscence work, as well as for those who wish to deepen their knowledge and increase their ability to help those they care for in less formal ways.

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.

The prospect of caring for elderly relatives who may be too old, fragile, or forgetful to manage on their own looms large for millions of women and men who are unprepared for the difficulties such an experience can bring. Written by a daughter of aging parents, this book takes an honest, unflinching look at aging in America, weaving together personal stories with current medical information to trace exactly how social and health care policies are affecting daily lives. Judith Steinberg Turiel addresses such topics as healthy aging and independent living; mental impairment brought on by Alzheimer's, other dementias, and depression; women as caregivers; health care rationing; the power of prescription drug makers; end-of-life care; and prospects for Medicare. Her book clearly demonstrates the pressing need for quality health care for people of all ages - through universal, publicly funded health insurance.

A practical resource written specifically for social care professionals working with people with dementia and their families, this book gives guidance on person-centred good practice throughout the care process from the initial diagnosis, through day care, respite care, long-term care, and death and attachment. The guide will enable social workers to manage their cases effectively and empathetically, making appropriate, culturally sensitive decisions and acting as advocates for this growing client group. It contains essential background material about the financial and legal context, including an explanation of the relevance of the Mental Health Act 1983. The author locates weak points in current provision and makes practical suggestions for future developments. Social Work and Dementia will enable social services to meet the needs of older clients experiencing dementia, and to understand, apply and contribute to new developments in their care.

Focusing on individual Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities such as Irish, Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and Jewish, this accessible guide brings together key information on the impact of living with dementia in BAME communities into a single comprehensive resource for front-line staff as well as an information source for families and carers. The book sets out personal case studies and examines how to provide bespoke support and information to raise awareness and lower levels of stigma. With diagnoses among minority communities set to increase, this much-needed handbook is the perfect companion for care home workers, social workers, doctors and nurses who may lack experience in communicating with and caring for people from BAME backgrounds. It is also a valuable resource for family carers and those living with dementia.

Long-term services and supports (LTSS) refer to a broad range of health and health-related services and supports that are needed by individuals over an extended period of time. The need for LTSS affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities (e.g., eating, bathing, dressing, walking) or activities that allow individuals to live independently in the community (e.g., shopping, housework, meal preparation). Most individuals prefer to be cared for in their own homes with the assistance of informal providers such as family members or friends, if available. The most recent published data estimating the number of Americans in need of LTSS indicate that about 10.9 million individuals living in the community need LTSS, or 4.1% of the community-resident population. It was estimated another 1.8 million individuals needing LTSS live in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home. LTSS include a variety of services and supports to assist an individual in maintaining an optimal level of functioning and/or improving his or her quality of life. Examples include a home health aide administering medication, a contractor building a wheelchair ramp onto a home, or a nursing facility where a person resides. LTSS also vary in cost and intensity, depending on the individual's underlying conditions, the severity of his or her disabilities, the setting in which services are provided, and the care-giving arrangement (ie: informal care versus formal care). This book provides an overview of LTSS, including who needs LTSS, how need for LTSS is determined, and how much LTSS costs. The book also provides information on who the primary LTSS payers are, how much they spend, and what types of services are purchased.

The book outlines a range of non-pharmacological therapies clinicians can adopt in their daily practice and sets out information and advice on each therapy and how to implement them in practice, illustrated with case studies and practical examples and drawing on the author's own clinical work. Many different therapies are discussed including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and farm and ranch therapy. Each has been chosen for its own particular benefits, including early stage dementia and rarer forms, while others can be applied more generally. Tying each therapy together are six key clinical approaches and models of intervention. The core of this is the Nightingale Psycho-Social Model of Support for Someone Living with Dementia. This person-centred approach focuses on the maintenance of meaningful occupation, platonic and intimate relationships, community involvement and maintaining life within normal patterns of behaviour. The new go-to book for clinicians, it is an invaluable tool for anyone looking for a wide variety of dementia therapies.

The dental needs of people living with dementia are often overlooked, particularly in the care home and hospital community. It is challenging to maintain good standards of oral care with people living with dementia, and poor care can increase the fear and anxiety levels of those living with dementia. Very few dentists have the training that equips them with the specialist knowledge necessary to work with this population. This pocket guide sets out tailored advice for supporting the oral and dental needs of people living with dementia. It sets out straightforward models on providing effective preventative mouth care, spotting symptoms and what to do when problems occur. This concise handbook will help any dentists, care home staff, nurses and other health professionals working day to day with people with dementia.

For some elderly people, the body weakens while the mind stays alert. Others remain physically strong, and cognitive losses take a huge toll. But for everyone, death is inevitable, and each loss is personally felt by those close to the one who has died. End-of-life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. An older person is often living, and dying, with one or more chronic illnesses and needs a lot of care for days, weeks, and sometimes even months. This book explores helping with comfort and care at the end-of-life and hopes to make the unfamiliar territory of death slightly more comfortable for everyone involved. Discussions on hospice, end-of-life services, costs, ethics, and quality of care are contained herein.

Illinois is the fifth largest state in the country with 12.4 million people in 2000; the population increased by almost 9% or about one million people in the past decade. About 12% of the state's population is age 65 and older -- 1.5 million people in 2000. By 2025 the Illinois elderly population is expected to increase by over 50% and will be 16.6% of the state's total population. Illinois is one of the few states in the country that provides older persons and younger adults, who meet the eligibility criteria, with state entitlements to home and community-based long-term care services. Both entitlements resulted from court cases that were brought to eliminate waiting lists for services. The state funds the Community Care Program for older adults and the Home Services Program for persons with physical disabilities with a combination of state general revenue funds and Medicaid Section 1915 (c) waiver funds. The Community Care Program uses contracted agencies for the provision of homemaker, adult day care services, and case management services. In contrast, the Home Services Program's relies primarily on personal assistants, whom consumers supervise, to provide services. According to state officials, in 2002 the state had about 3,000 people with developmental disabilities in state-operated development centers (SODCs), 6,500 people in private intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFs/MR) and 8,800 people in Section 1915 (c) Medicaid home and community-based services waivers for the developmentally disabled.

This book examines the growing importance of positive psychology and its connection to later life. * Applies Social Role Valorisation (SVR) principles to care of older people, particularly those with seriously disabling conditions such as dementia, stroke, and multiple health problems * Provides a comprehensive body of positive principles and practical approaches for those who care for older people * Examines the impact of the devaluation of older people s lives in the context of societies dependent on technology * Demonstrates how more age-inclusive societies and open awareness of later-life issues are fundamental to strong communities, as well as to personal happiness and resilience

"Social Work with Older People" provides an authoritative and practical guide to working with older people in a range of settings. It addresses the complexities of individual work with older people, as well as work with families, groups and the wider community, and is not afraid to tackle the challenges as well as opportunities of practice in this area.

The book begins by explaining the demographic changes that have led to a 'greying' of the general population. It goes on to discuss the diversity in experiences of ageing across society, and the range of issues which confront older people and those who wish to work proactively with them. Clear attention is paid to the processes of assessment, care planning and review, with readers encouraged to reflect on developing good practice through case studies and exercises. Although it has a strong practical emphasis, the book also stresses the value of theoretical perspectives, with insights from fields such as sociology and psychology woven throughout the book. Clear links are also made to policy guidelines and organizational standards, without losing sight of the deeper, often more complex, issues that arise when working with older people.

"Social Work with Older People" will be essential reading for social work students and practitioners, but also for others who are interested in the development of practice with older people as citizens and service users.