Bryan J. Kemp

Elder Financial Abuse: An Evaluation Framework and Supporting Evidence

Objectives: To develop a valid and reliable framework for evaluating cases of alleged elder financial abuse.

Use of Personal Emergency Response Systems by Older Individuals With Disabilities

This article describes how older persons perceive and use personal emergency response systems (PERSs), including issues related to device design, and report reasons for nonuse of PERSs. Data for this study were collected through a semistructured questionnaire that included fixed and open-ended response questions. Six hundred six participants 60 years and older were surveyed. Descriptive statistics were used to report sample characteristics. The most often-stated reason for using a PERS was related to concerns with falling (40% of responses). Asked how a PERS has been helpful, 75.6% of participants expressed an enhanced feeling of security with their PERS. Lack of perceived need (57.0% of responses), cost (37.0%), and lack of knowledge of the device (23.7%) were the most frequently stated reasons for not using a PERS. This study found that, while PERSs provide benefits for many elders, there appear to be many older persons who could benefit who do not have one. Only 16% of participants in this study, all of whom had disabilities, used a PERS.

Use of cell phones by elders with impairments: Overall appraisal, satisfaction, and suggestions

Continuity theory provides a rationalization for understanding older adult friendships. Older adults do not have to anticipate disengagement but can exercise their choice to actively participate in establishing and maintaining friendship structures. The role of friend is one a person can choose to maintain. Friendships are dynamic and progress on a continuum with beginnings, periods of endurance and change, and endings. Continuity theory provides ways to understand why particular people have developed and adapted distinct friendship and social support networks. This insight provides social service professionals, gerontologists, and family members ways to enable older adults to remain in their communities longer and maintain support stability.Continuity theory provides a rationalization for understanding older adult friendships. Older adults do not have to anticipate disengagement but can exercise their choice to actively participate in establishing and maintaining friendship structures. The role of friend is one a person can choose to maintain. Friendships are dynamic and progress on a continuum with beginnings, periods of endurance and change, and endings. Continuity theory provides ways to understand why particular people have developed and adapted distinct friendship and social support networks. This insight provides social service professionals, gerontologists, and family members ways to enable older adults to remain in their communities longer and maintain support stability.

Barriers to the Use of Traditional Telephones by Older Adults with Chronic Health Conditions

As people age, they face motor, sensory, and cognitive decline that may compromise their performance of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Telephone use is an important instrumental activity of daily living for older adults, but many have difficulty in making and receiving calls. Today, there are many features that can be added to the telephone that can help compensate for impairments, but often these features are not used. To better understand the problems of older adults in using their telephones, we surveyed 609 older adults living in the community who had chronic health conditions. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, by telephone, or by mail. The most common reasons for not using more telephone special features were cost, lack of perceived need, and lack of knowledge of the features. Occupational therapists who work with older adults must understand the importance of telephones in their lives and offer them information and assistance in finding telephones with features that match their special needs. The findings of this study suggest that a significant number of older adults with chronic health conditions are unaware of low-cost, feature-laden telephones that could make their communications easier or, for some, possible.

Combating Elder and Dependent Adult Mistreatment: The Role of the Clinical Psychologist

ABSTRACT Among the many different professionals who work to address elder and dependent adult mistreatment, the clinical psychologist performs a function that is not well documented. The experiences of a clinical psychologist attached to a medical response team and an elder abuse forensic center provide insight into this complex and multifaceted role. Case examples from an elder abuse forensic center illustrate the breadth of referral questions that a clinical psychologist addresses. This information may be of use to those who would argue that these services be made widely available to elder abuse professionals such as social workers, public guardians, and those in the criminal justice system. The case studies also may be useful for training purposes.

Mental health issues: Crosscutting breakout session

• The link between depression and disability is well established. • There is little relationship between the severity of the disease or the degree of impairment and rate of depression. • Depression is related to the onset and course (even mortality) of certain disabling conditions as well as daily functioning, symptom burden, adherence to treatment, medical care utilization, and overall quality of life.