Social Services A Report on Services to the Elderly. By Phil Jones, Elizabeth Rott, and Mary Brugger Murphy. Aging Program, National Association of Counties Research Foundation, 1735 New York Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. 1977. 29 pp. illus. No price listed. This report is the fourth in a series. It describes efforts by New York's Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs to help the elderly. The research was sponsored, in part, by a Model Projects grant from the Administration on Aging. The National Association of Counties Research Foundation praises the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs for its "new and unusual programs." The Foundation attributes the Department's success to its "unusual authority" to act independently in setting up new projects for senior citizens. The Nassau office for the aging has departmental status which allows it "full authority over its funding and programs." According to the study, the Department offers county officials an opportunity to study the performance of a county office on aging that has been granted authority equal to all other county departments, direct access to county elected officials, and department-size staff. a Local Church Ministry With Older Members, Volume I: Program Results, and Volume II: Program Methodology. Prepared by Barbara Frautschi. United Church in the U.S.A., Synod of the Covenant, Presbytery of Scioto Valley, Columbus, Ohio. 1977. Biblio., append. 59 pp. and 67 pp., respectively. No price listed. From 1974 to 1975, the United Presbyterian Churches in the Columbus West Area participated in a program to further develop ministries for and with their older members. Information applicable to local congregations has been summarized in this two volume report presenting major survey results from 216 older members, 10 churches, and 11 minis ters. The ultimate goal of the project was improving the local church's ministry with older members of the congregation and community and specifically, to increase the congregations' understanding of the aging process and their sensitivity to the needs of the elderly. The program was also designed to involve local church leaders in program planning and implementation. Another major goal was to assist other churches in implementing the survey of several churches and in analyzing a large number of survey interview forms. Instructions and background information required by these groups is described in Volume II. This volume includes program schedules, coding lists, and samples of institutions and tabulations. The first volume contains the main findings of the study, suggestions for action by local churches, the three survey questionnaires used, and bibliographies of resource materials. Nursing Homes Living in a Nursing Home: A Complete Guide. By Sarah Greene Burger and Martha D'Erasmo. The Seabury Press, 815 Second Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017. 1976.. 178 pp. Annot., append. In this no-nonsense, practical book, two registered nurses have provided a professional and compassionate guide covering aspects of nursing home. placement and care. In their preface, the authors note: "This book is directed toward both the families of elderly persons entering a home and toward the elderly person involved. We provide guides to follow before, during, and after admission to an institution. This book is also intended to aid professionals and paraprofessionals involved in any aspect of nursing home placement or care." The authors discuss common mistakes made by family and friends in selecting a nursing home, preparations to make before admission, and patient and family reactions to admission involving feelings of loss or guilt. They also explore such topics as dealing with nursing home personnel, the legal status of the nursing home resident, obligations of the nursing home and of the family, physiological changes in the aging process, death, and ways the nursing home resident can participate in family life. The book contains glossaries of pertinent medical and health-care terms. Appendices list agencies of the Federal government concerned with aging and nursing homes and State agencies administering the Older Americans Act. Research Evaluative Research on Social Programs for the Elderly. DHEW Publication No. (OHD) 77-20120. 179 pp. biblio. $2.40 from Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20402. This book is a report of two seminars on evaluative research sponsored by the committee on Research and Development of the Gerontological Society in 1973. The research was supported in part by a grant from the Administration on Aging. In the introduction, John E. O'Brien, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Evaluative Research, Institute on Aging, Portland State University, observes: "These papers address the continuing problem of how to relate the work of the research community to the larger context of public decision making through the vehicle of social program evaluation. Although the framework of consideration is directed at public intervention concerned with the wellbeing of the elderly, the fundamental issues discussed in these papers are applicable to forms of planned intervention for any target group." He notes that discussion at the seminars did not center on the technical or scientific problems presented but on philosophical questions implicit in them. General Social Policy, Social Ethics, and the Aging Society. Edited by Bernice L. Neugarten and Robert J. Havighurst. Prepared by the Committee on Human Development, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. 1976. 121 pp. annotated. Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. $1.95 a copy. This book is the result of a three year research project on the future of the elderly in society. Begun in 1973, it was conducted by the University of Chicago and funded by the National Science Foundation. The project's aim was to assess the state of knowledge about the elderly and examine the ethical aspects of policy decisions that affect them. The project involved a Conference on Social Policy, Social Ethics, and the Aging Society, focusing on the economic welfare of older persons, health services, and extension of the human life span. Employment "Working With Older People." By Anne Kahl et al. in Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Available from Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook, Room 2028, GAO Washington, Bldg., 441 G St., N.W., D.C. 20212. This special issue of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, the career guidance magazine of the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, was prepared for the Administration on Aging. It explores some of the career opportunities open to people concerned with the welfare of the elderly and discusses the education and skills needed for these careers. Compiled by several labor economists, data in the study indicate that over a million Americans are employed in jobs connected with service to the elderly and this number is expected to grow significantly. According to the report, much of the growth in the number of jobs can be attributed to an expected one-third increase in the number of people over age 65 by the year 2000. Equally important, however, is growing public recognition that the elderly have special problems and needs. This special issue of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly examines numer ous career possibilities in the field, including some that may not have been considered by those about to choose a career or change positions. Films Report: Center for Aging Studies Film Series. Compiled by Rosemary Orgren, Center for Aging Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia, 721 Clark Hall, Columbia, Mo. 65201. 1976. The report is designed for organizations planning to study the problems of aging through the use of films. The booklet contains a description of 12 films which the Center for Aging Studies presented on campus in a fall semester series. Those attending the series evaluated each film. The main text of this booklet is composed of the original program notes for each film, followed by the composite evaluation which rates the film, makes recommendations for its use, and lists general comments. In the list are excerpts from commercial movies, documentaries, and original films by persons interested in aging studies. "Focus on Aging" Festival Information on obtaining the films described below and others shown at the film festival may be obtained from Margaret S. Seeley, Director of the Conference of Mayors' Task Force on Aging, U.S. Conference of Mayors, 1620 Eye St., N. W., Washington, D.C. 20006. (Telephone: (202) 293-5156.) "Lifeclimb," produced by Pyramid Films, presents the powerful true story of Stan Zondell, who at age 58 was told he had terminal cancer. Given no more than two years to live, Mr. Zonell resolved to change his life, to adopt a positive attitude toward living, and to become a more vital and productive person. By the time he reached 65, Mr. Zondell had reached his goal-by any accounting. He ended a long problem with alcohol abuse, left a successful but unsatisfying business career, and strengthened strained bonds with his family. To top it all off, Mr. Zondell climbed the Swiss Matterhorn six times. The "terminal" cancer went into remission. "Lifeclimb" can be effectively used to demonstrate the importance of a positive approach to living and of selfrespect. "Senior Power and How to Use It," a multi-award winning film by William Brose Productions, is particularly well suited for use in crime prevention programs. Running for 20 minutes, this entertaining film is packed with practical tips about how older persons can reduce their vulnerability to crime victimization. "The Street," is a sensitive and moving animated presentation by the National Film Board of Canada that examines attitudes toward older people, as well as death and dying. This awardwinning film can be used by organizations to make the non-elderly more sensitive to the special problems families face in dealing with older relatives. The "Getting On" series, produced by Ms. Pat Reed Scott of New York, is composed of video tapes that depict older New Yorkers living productive lives. These tapes are useful in working with emotionally isolated older per 48 AGING sons by apprising them of the value of staying engaged in meaningful activities. "Passing Quietly Through," a 26minute film produced by Grove Press, Inc., is a poignant expose of the effects of isolation on older people. An elderly man, confined to bed, talks candidly with the nurse who cares for him. The one-on-one interaction in the film does not mince words. "Imogene Cunningham at 93" was produced by CBS News. It is lively because Imogene Cunningham was lively. A world-renowned photographer, Ms. Cunningham made "scandalous" news in 1917 as the first American woman to photograph a male nude (her husband). She became a trend setter and consistently produced photography that has enriched our cultural life. Her story can inspire other older persons to continue active and productive activities and make younger people aware of the very positive and valuable contributions that the elderly can and do make to our lives. "Rescue from Isolation," produced by McGill University in Montreal, Canada, makes a strong case for alternatives to institutionalization of the elderly. Subtitled, "The Role of the Geriatric Day Hospital," this film shows how hospital staff teach older people to relate successfully with others and become active members of their community. "Beyond Shelter," also produced by McGill University, compares the plight of older persons in North. America, confined to total-care institutions, with that of senior citizens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Nursing homes in Denmark are integrated with housing for ambulatory, healthy older persons. In such a setting, those who require total care can still mix with their neighbors. Those who live in their own independent apartments may be as free and independent as they choose. They may cook for themselves, or have their meals in a common dining room. Thus, residents have the advantages of readily available medical and other emergency care, as well as the opportunity to help their less healthy neighbors. In some complexes, housing for the elderly is integrated with housing for young families. In one project, a day care center for young children is included on the grounds. Pictures of the older people playing and working with the children show vividly the rewards of such efforts. "Old, Black and Alive," produced by the New Film Company, was awarded First Prize for an independent production by the Conference of Mayors. This beautifully filmed documentary depicts several elderly black persons living in the rural South. Some are productive, some are institutionalized, some are happy, others are not. This film is a poignant commentary on the tendency of contemporary society to rob older persons of their dignity and worth, treating them as though they are dead before they actually die. This film is particularly well suited for use as a consciousness raiser for professionals and the general public.Douglas Wright Subscriptions There are 30 million people 60 years of age and over in the United States. Their number increases daily. Congress, adopting the Older Americans Act of 1965, and subsequently amending it, has taken due notice of them. AGING, official publication of the National Clearinghouse on Aging in the U.S. Administration on Aging, reports on programs for, by, and with this large and important segment of our population. It reports on what States, area agencies on aging, and foreign countries are doing in the field. AGING has been called "the single most comprehensive" source of such news. It is must reading for those in the field. Subscription price is $5.05 a year plus $1.30 if mailed outside the United States. CLIP AND MAIL TODAY Changes of Address Paid subscribers should notify the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 of a change of address eight weeks in advance of their actual move. Please include the mailing label from the back cover of the magazine. AGING Magazine does not process subscriptions or changes of address. Submitting Articles AGING Magazine welcomes news and information from its readers. Especially valuable are stories about innovative programs or projects which have worked well and can be duplicated or adapted for use elsewhere. Material should be typed and should not exceed 15 pages double-spaced. Articles may be bylined. In all cases the Editor reserves the right to make changes in length or style or presentation. Photos, if any, should be captioned. Black and white, 5" by 7" or larger glossy photos are preferred. Color snapshots are not acceptable. Photos cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope or mailing label. Information for Conference Calendar and Course Calendar should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the issue month in which they are to appear. All material should be sent to Editor, AGING Magazine, Administration on Aging, Room 4551, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201. Information Information about articles appearing in or submitted to AGING Magazine may be obtained by writing the Editor at the above address or by calling (202) 245-1190. Published since June 1951 Contents may be reproduced or reprinted without permission, but credit to Aging is ap preciated Use of funds for printing this publication approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget. October 31, 1966 DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITEDTitle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states No person in the United States shall on the ground of race color or national origin, be excluded from participa tion in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance Therefore, the programs discussed in this publication like every program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Department of Hea' Education and Welfare, must be ope.ated in compliance with this law |