Sherry M. Cummings

Impact of an intergenerational program on 4th graders' attitudes toward elders and school behaviors

Abstract The rapid growth of the elderly population coupled with research demonstrating the existence of ageist stereotypes even among very young children have led to the rise of intergenerational programs. Very limited research has been conducted, however, to demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs in producing attitudinal change or other beneficial outcomes for at-risk children. This study examined the impact of an intergenerational program on childrens attitudes toward elders and on their school-based behaviors. Eighty-one 4th grade children enrolled in an inner-city school participated in the study. Forty-one children, with matched seniors partners, engaged in activities based on the 4th grade core curriculum within an outdoor classroom environment, while the remaining 40 children participated in usual core curriculum activities. At the conclusion of the program those children who participated in the program had significantly more positive attitudes towards the elderly and significantly better school behavioral grades than did non-participating students. Impli-

Motivational Interviewing to Affect Behavioral Change in Older Adults

This article reviews and assesses the existing research literature on the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) to promote lifestyle changes and improve functioning among older adults confronting serious health challenges. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of intervention studies that tested the use of MI to achieve behavioral change among older adults with acute and chronic illnesses. Although limited in number, the studies revealed a significant improvement in physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure and glycemic control, and increased smoking cessation following MI. MI and its derivatives can be useful in dealing with a range of health issues faced by older adults. Further research to extend findings and address methodological issues is recommended. The integration of MI into social work courses focused on practice with older adults should be considered.

Depression and Life Satisfaction in Assisted Living Residents: Impact of Health and Social Support

Abstract Assisted Living is the fastest growing residential option for elders in this country. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of depression and life satisfaction among assisted living residents and to explore factors predicting these variables. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 145 assisted living elders. Depression and life satisfaction were associated with self-rated health, functional impairment, perceived social support, satisfaction with living environment, and satisfaction with social contacts. Perceived social support, satisfaction with social contacts, and functional impairment were significant predictors of depression. Predictors of life satisfaction included perceived social support and satisfaction with current living situation. Practice and policy implications are discussed.

Formal and informal support for older adults with severe mental illness

Objectives: This study sought to examine the combination of formal and informal services supplied to older adults with severe mental illness, to assess the adequacy of services received, and to determine factors predictive of formal and informal service provision. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed. Seventy-five older adults diagnosed with a SMI were recruited through local community mental health center. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using the Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly. Results: Clients most frequently received services from formal sources for psychiatric distress, physical health, information, and dangerous behavior needs while informal sources provided the greatest amount of assistance for self-care, psychiatric distress, and money management needs. Appropriate assistance was most often not provided for benefits, sight/hearing, and incontinence. Formal services were predicted by group residence and dangerous behavior, physical illness, medication, and daily activity needs. Assistance from informal sources was predicted by private residence, self-care, mobility, and money management needs. Discussion: While formal and informal sources provided adequate services for certain client needs, over 70% of the clients did not receive the correct type of help for some of their needs. Greater communication between mental health care staff and informal caregivers, and the integration of aging network services, is essential for the adequate provision of care to older severely mentally ill (SMI) adults. Education and greater linkages among care providers are necessary so that all service providers are aware of and are able to appropriately respond to the complex multi-level needs experienced by older SMI adults.

Group Therapy for Depressed Elderly Women

Abstract We describe and evaluate a group therapy program targeting depression among elderly residents (N=303) of subsidized high-rise apartments in Nashville, TN. This eclectic program was comprised of 12 sessions (a total of 24 hours) that included modules on exercise and preventive health behaviors, cognitive and re-motivation therapy, reminiscence and grief therapy, and social skills development. Our multivariate regression analyses of pre-post measures using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) showed that the effects of the group therapy varied by race, age, and level of initial depression among the participants. The program was effective in reducing depression, but only among Caucasian women who reported at least moderate depression prior to the program, and it yielded greater benefits for women between 55 and 75 years of age.

THE STATUS OF SPECIALIZED GERONTOLOGICAL TRAINING IN GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

This study assessed the current state of specialized training in master-level social work programs self-identified as either an aging specialization, concentration, or certificate. Fifty-nine identified gerontological social work programs responded to this survey (92.2% response rate). Compared with findings from similar previous studies in the 1980s, results revealed a decline in the number of graduate level aging-related social work programs. Study findings revealed similarities and significant differences among concentration, specialization, and certificate aging-related programs. Results suggest that much variation among aging-specific programs exists and greater standardization may be needed. Implications for social work education, practice, and research are discussed.

Comparative Analysis of Distance Education and Classroom-based Formats for a Clinical Social Work Practice Course

A growing body of research suggests that online courses are as effective as face-to-face courses in delivering knowledge-based content. Scant research, however, has been conducted to examine the usefulness of distance education (DE) for teaching clinical coursework. This study compared the outcomes of students who participated in DE sections of a graduate level Social Work Practice with Groups course with students engaged in traditional face-to-face sections of the same course. The DE sections were primarily online and used asynchronistic and synchronistic technology coupled with a few Saturday sessions. Results revealed no significant differences between DE and in-class students in knowledge of leadership skills, group processes and dynamics, or perception of course content and effectiveness. Implications for social work education are discussed.

Alcohol Misuse Among Older Adult Public Housing Residents

Low-income older adults living in public housing are at heightened risk for substance misuse. This study identified the prevalence of alcohol misuse among older public housing residents (n = 187) and explored predictors of problem drinking. Including weekly drinking levels and binge drinking, 23% of the sample engaged in problem drinking behaviors. Logistic regression analysis revealed that race, gender, employment status, years smoking, and illegal drug use were significant predictors of problem drinking. No residents were receiving substance abuse treatment. As the number of older adults increase, training social workers to assess and treat alcohol misuse in older adults is critical.

Caregivers of Older Clients With Severe Mental Illness: Perceptions of Burdens and Rewards

Approximately 1 million older persons have a severe mental illness (SMI) and this number is expected to double in the coming decades. While research studies have examined the experiences of family members of younger persons with SMI, very little is known about caregivers of older SMI clients. This study examined the characteristics, burdens, and rewards of 60 caregivers of older SMI clients using a modified version of family caregiver scales of Tessler, Fisher, & Gamache (1992). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that increased client symptoms, higher levels of help provided, increased caregiver income, and knowledge about the care recipients diagnosis were predicative of caregiver burden. Decreased number of client symptoms, care recipient being female, and greater experience of the presence of God predicted caregiver rewards. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Understanding service needs and service utilization among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants in the USA

This study explored service needs and service utilization among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants in the US. A sample of 70 older Kurds is included and descriptive statistics were utilized. The findings of this study reported that older Kurdish refugees and immigrants are experiencing multiple service needs yet they do not seek help to meet their service needs. This study also highlighted existing barriers to services among older Kurdish refugees and immigrants, which accentuate the need for the development and implementation of culturally competent services for this unique population.