The operant model applied to geriatric settings has provided optimistic data with regard to the reversibility of behavior deficits in elderly residents. Naturalistic studies have demonstrated that one major class of resident behavioral deficiencies, dependency, tends to be encouraged by staff whereas independent functioning tends to be ignored. Only a few studies have attempted to change this interactional pattern from staff dependent-supportive to independent-supportive responses to increase residents independent functioning. The present study was a further attempt to alter these interactional patterns between staff and residents. It departs most notably from earlier studies in that cognitive and perceptual changes for residents and aides were evaluated in addition to overt behavioral changes. Specifically, the purpose of this project was to increase independent functioning and improve mood, perceptions of the environment and morale in institutionalized geriatric residents. To accomplish this, 12 nurses' aides were trained in operant principles and techniques. Self-report and behavioral measures were obtained for residents and staff in a treatment and no-intervention control group. No significant results emerged for aides and residents in the intervention condition. The failure to find significant results is discussed in terms of one or a combination of variables including: problems encountered in conducting research in naturalistic settings, deficiencies in the training program, perceptual biases of the staff and the appropriateness of the theoretical model employed. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are explored.

The use of discretionary time among older adults and its relationship to well-being is of particular interest to many researchers, practitioners, and service providers. Interview data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 171 persons 65 years of age and older from the urbanized area of Roanoke, Virginia. The study ascertains whether there is a relationship between amount of participation in thirteen activity categories and morale among older adults, after implementing controls for age, self-perceived health, and income. Using multiple regression analysis, results suggest that morale is largely influenced by the control variables, particularly health. In fact, almost none of the variance of the dependent variable is attributable to amount of activity. Implications for activity program development and theoretical refinement are discussed. / Master of Science / incomplete_metadata

The focus of this study was to determine what types of information and support families wanted at the time they admitted a relative to a long-term care facility. Twenty families were interviewed by telephone, including both the primary caregiver and, where appropriate caregiving family members. It was found that half of the families felt they wanted no additional information or support than they had received, and that they were basically satisfied with the facility's admission process. The majority of the families felt that the institution also encouraged their continued involvement with their relatives after admission. The results suggest that researchers and practitioners need to be aware, however, that the admission process if often a stressful time, and that family members may be so involved in making long-term care arrangements that they do not focus on their own needs, but only on those of the elderly patient. Support services and information should be provided on an individual basis, considering such factors as whether the caregiver is employed full-time and the distance the caregiver lives from the facility. / Master of Science