This study examines the decision of people (N = 56) living in retirement communities to quit driving, and the role of their physician and family in making this decision. Most of the elderly stopped driving when a threshold was reached after an accumulation of compensatory behaviors. Few stopped because of their doctor's advice, although all felt a physician was in the best position to evaluate driving, and family involvement received limited support.
Transgender elders are both underserved and understudied. Neither the etiology nor prevalence of transgender is well understood. Because sex, gender, and sexuality are at the very core of individual identity, it is difficult to dislodge one's ideas and feelings about them. Unlike biological sex and sexual orientation, gender has several aspects: gender identity, gender expression, and gender classification. A discussion of the terminology of transgender is presented, and the issues facing aging transgender individuals are identified. Although the challenges of adequate healthcare, social support, and legal obstacles are faced by many elderly individuals, the way they are presented and managed are unique to this often invisible group.
Younger residents in nursing facilities represent a growing but little recognized population. This study examined a group of younger residents, describing issues identified by residents and facility staff and identifying strategies that might improve their quality of life. In this study, the majority of younger residents were men with significant physical and mental health deficits, who spent most of their time alone or watching television. Residents wanted a greater variety of relevant recreational activities and more meaningful relationships with family, staff, and other residents. Staff believed nursing facilities were not designed for younger residents, resulting in unmet psychosocial and recreational needs.
This study assesses the preparedness of long-term care facilities in Texas responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A 41-item questionnaire was mailed to facilities; the response rate was 42%. Among responding facilities, 4513 residents were evacuated, and 6% of respondents reported resident death. Financial losses were reported by 8% of nursing facilities and 45% of assisted living facilities due to transportation and staff overtime. Respondents indicated the need for improved disaster preparednesstraining, better coordination, and transportation. Changes in policy and practice will lead to better trained staff who will provide the care residents need for improved health outcomes during future public health disasters.
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