Abstract This paper examines the research article "Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta-Amyloid(1-42) in Alzheimer Disease: Differences Between Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer disease and Stability During the Course of Disease" by Teipel, Hampel, Pietrini, Alexander, Horwitz, Daley, Moller, Schapiro and Rapoport (1999) which investigates region-specific corpus callosum atrophy in relation to the pattern of cortical glucose metabolism in Alzheimer. It shows how the reviewed material examines the authors' primary research questions, their justification for the study, the general methods and main findings. The review ends with a statement of whether confidence can be placed in the findings.
From the Paper "Methods involved a two-group comparison of AD patients (N=12) and healthy controls (N=15). It is noted that controls were volunteers but no mention is made of how any of the subjects were recruited into the study. Further, AD patients were not authenticated as having the disease; rather it was noted that some patients were suspected of "possibly" having the condition while others were viewed as "probably" having AD. Tests of cognitive functioning were administered to the AD patients showing that they ranged in degree of dementia from mild to severe."
Abstract As America ages with the 50-plus population projected to increase by 76 percent between 1990 and 2020, the issue of senior housing looms as one of the most pressing issues on the social agenda. Despite being the most financially forbidding option, retirement homes are still the most popular choice for seniors. The author of the paper visited a Highland, Illinois retirement home and comments on the options available to its residents, including accommodation, staff, medical facilities and activities. The paper shows the positive aspects of senior citizens living among their peer groups if they are able to afford the luxury of a similar retirement home.
From the Paper "This retirement home in Highland, Illinois represents an utopia for extroverted seniors like the two ladies who spoke with me extensively. They enjoy the regulated activities and the socialization opportunities with peers their own age. However, they constitute a small group of seniors who do not have to worry about financial costs in their choice of residential options. Against the background of facilities that do not provide adequate support for the residents because of poor policies and staff shortage, this retirement home has certainly succeeded in creating an impressive facility. It not only takes care of the basic needs of its residents, but also integrates social activities that cater to their social and emotional interests. While the senior care industry struggles through reforms, it is important to study the lessons from successful senior residential facilities like this retirement home."
Abstract This paper looks at the profession of geriatric nursing and in particular, as a staff development coordinator. It examines how the need for geriatric nurses has increased due to the maturation of the American population as a whole and from the increased awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias which eventually require specialized care, sometimes on a continuous basis, in a long-term care facility. It looks at the necessity for continuing education and how the geriatric nurse is responsible for the functions within the long-term care facility that are most critical to the quality of care delivered to patients.
From the Paper "Despite the growth, geriatrics does not seem to be a popular specialty among nurses, a fact documented by studies (Milly & Mezey, p. 264; Fagerberg & Ekman, p. 177). Fagerberg and Ekman state that many research studies have found that nursing students are not "wholeheartedly" in favor of working with geriatric care patients although they have both positive and negative attitudes about working with elderly patients (Fagerberg and Ekman, p. 177). Of the 4,336 nurses who graduated from a master's program in all specialties in 1996, only 218 were prepared as geriatric/gerontological nurse practitioners (Milly & Mezey, p. 264). The researchers point out that as the population ages, recruiting quality nurses to care for these patients may become an issue (Fagerberg & Ekman, p. 177). In addition, locating faculty to educate graduating and practicing nurses becomes another challenge."
Abstract This paper discusses how as the baby-boom generation has aged, the study of aging has become progressively more important and as a result the field of gerontology has become mature and studies on the effects of aging on memory have been at the forefront of this growth. It examines the results of a research study that was conducted to examine the differences between age groups on three components of memory function. The components investigated were working memory, implicit/explicit memory, and semantic organization.
From the Paper "The examination of aging and memory is now a heavily researched area. Recent studies have included investigations of age-related slowing of information processing in mental imagery tasks (Briggs, Raz, and Marks, 1999) and the influence of physical ailments such as hearing loss on both memory and memory-related tasks (Alain and Woods, 1999). Another area of scrutiny has been the differences in memory in younger and older people. Maki, Zonderman, and Weingartner (1999) recently completed a study that indicated that, while younger people performed better than older subjects on some memory tasks, the performance of the older respondents was better if their self-assessment of their memory was accurate, lending some more confirmation to the metamemory studies of Zelinski, et al."
Abstract The paper researches the opportunities in this section of the country for beginning a career in optometry. The writer studies the demographics of the region, the income distribution, availability of health care providers, and the level of spending related to the eye care profession. The paper shows how these factors can indicate whether or not the region is an attractive one for this profession.
From the Paper "In general, Florida has a higher population of older residents growing at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. In addition, while Florida has a somewhat lower per capita income than the United States, the Ft. Lauderdale area has a significantly higher per capita income at $27,129 in 1996. Florida also has a higher percent of its population living below the poverty level than the nation as a whole. The following table identifies key demographics for the United States as a whole and the state of Florida for 1996 (Health Care System Datasource, 1999, pp. 99, 104)."
Abstract This paper compares the two welfare programs in practice in America - Social Security by the State and the Medicare program. It looks at the success of these programs in reducing the poverty rate among the elderly but also questions their future, largely because of the growing belief that they will not be able to sustain themselves as the working population shrinks while the number of retirees grow.
From the Paper "Social Security (established in 1935) and Medicare (established in 1965) are two large federal entitlement programs that are aimed primarily at the elderly, although both programs extend coverage to the disabled as well. Social Security is the New Deal program designed to alleviate poverty among the elderly by ensuring income based on FICA contributions paid in by the individual over the course of her/his working life. Medicare either supplements or takes the place of health and hospitalization insurance for the elderly. Its funding derives from several sources including a 2.9 percent payroll tax (divided between worker and employer), monthly premiums from enrollees, and general revenues. Both programs account for an enormous level of federal spending. Social Security funding totaled approximately $500 billion in 1998 while $217 billion was devoted to Medicare at the time (Dreyfuss 16). Both programs have been judged successful by many simply because they have indeed decreased poverty among the elderly (from 35 percent in 1959 to 10 percent in 1998) and increased access to medical care (Wellstone 4)."
Abstract This study examines the effects of behavioral management training in reducing the occurrence of aggressive behavior among elderly patients diagnosed with dementia. Forty-five involuntary elderly patients in a residential care center were observed by certified nurses assistants (CNA) and licensed practical nurses as to the number of aggressive behaviors displayed before nurses completed a month of behavioral training and after completing training. Results show no significant differences in the occurrence of aggressive behavior in Pre and Post training.
From the Paper "Few would argue that our elderly are a primary concern when special care is needed. Special care often results in the need for outside assistance such as nursing care residential centers or what is commonly known as nursing homes for the elderly. Unfortunately many of the elderly residents in these residential care facilities are diagnosed with dementia making care a challenge. Dementia is classified as an impairment disorder effecting the vascular or neurological structures of the brain. In same case, dementia is treatable as in cases with brain tumors or dementia due to a metabolic cause."
Abstract This paper looks at the increasing awareness that some elderly persons are physically abused and neglected by family members and how this has been accompanied by a widespread assumption about elder abuse. Elder abuse is inflicted by well meaning individuals, often the adult children of victims, who are pushed over the edge by the stress of caring for a frail, dependent old person. It presents a research study to gain insights into factors implicated in the development of such abuse, to identify those causal factors that may be amenable to intervention and recommend policies and programs, where applicable, to reduce the incidence of such abuse.
Outline
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
Review of the Literature
Theoretical Framework
Cognitive Abilities and Development Stress
Related Research
Conclusions Relative to the Study Problem
Method
Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Population and Sample
Instrumentation
Data Analysis
Summary
Results
Results Testing Hypothesis 1
Results Testing Hypothesis 2
Results Testing Hypothesis 3
Results Testing Hypothesis 4
Results Testing Hypothesis 5
Results Testing Hypothesis 6
Results Testing Hypothesis 7
Results Testing Hypothesis 8
Results Testing Hypothesis 9
Results Testing Hypothesis 10
Discussion
Summary of the Results
Discussion and Implications for Current Theory
Recommendations for Further Research
Implications for Professional Practice
From the Paper "A substantial proportion of the elderly population requires constant and continual care services that they are unable to provide for themselves (Wolf, 1992). Care alternatives for these people range from institutional settings to community-based care facilities to home care. Research has frequently found home care to be superior to care delivered in institutional and even community-based environments. Further, research has found that home care for most persons requiring long-term care is more cost-effective than either institutionalization or community-based care (O?Connor, 1992)."
A study using a research design to identify differences in the perceptions and experiences of survivors who make final arrangements at the death of a friend or relative.
Abstract The purpose of this study is to obtain insight into the attitudes of individuals who have had to make final arrangements for a deceased friend or relative and to compare their experiences and perceptions to those identified in the literature. The paper employs a quasi-experimental research design using a sample of 50 survivors identified via newspaper obituaries published 6 to 24 months prior to the study to test two research hypotheses. A full literature review of the subject is also included.
From the Paper "Many individuals attempt to avoid both the high costs of funerals and the emotional trauma of providing for final arrangements by participating in any one of a number of "pre-payment" or "pre-planning" programs offered by funeral directors and cemeterians. Pre-payment plans vary, but most include full payment for selected services and amenities (How to cut..., 1995). Payments can be made in installments, with the details of the final arrangements spelled out in contractual form. While pre-paying can eliminate some of the trauma associated with making final arrangements, there is growing evidence that pre-payment plans are not the ultimate safeguard against funeral home gouging that they were designed to be."
An in-depth study into whether the pre-planning and paying of a funeral for a loved one, makes the mourning and bereavement process easier on the survivors.
Abstract This study identifies the differences in the perceptions and experiences of survivors who make final arrangements at the death of a friend or relative and those who oversee the execution of pre-paid and pre-planned final arrangements. Specifically, the study employs a quasi-experimental research design using a sample of 50 survivors identified via newspaper obituaries published 6 to 24 months prior to the study to test two research hypotheses. The first hypothesis states that survivors who oversee pre-paid and pre-planned final arrangements will pay less for funeral services than those who do not use this approach. The second hypothesis states that those who pre-pay or pre-plan will have less negative perceptions of funeral directors'/funeral homes' costs than those who did not pre-pay. A survey instrument is developed by the researcher employing a Likert-type scaled response; data is analyzed via descriptive and inferential (i.e., Pearson's r correlation) statistics.
Abstract
Review of Literature - Background of the Problem
Pre-Paying for Funerals
Theoretical Framework
Synthesis of the Literature
Method and Procedure -Purpose and Design of the Study
Sampling
Data Collection and Instrumentation
Procedures
Protection of Human Subjects
Data Analysis
Appendix 1-6
References
From the Paper "The cost of funeral and final expenses has never been greater for the average individual than it is today. The national average cost of final arrangements, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, is $5,543 (Taking the mystery..., 2000). Many people spend significantly more than this amount, often in excess of $8,000 - $10,000. In the past five years, the price of dying has risen about three times faster than the consumer price index (Ernst, 1998). The problem is such that the United States Senate has undertaken an investigation of fraud in the funeral industry under the aegis of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Paying for funeral services places consumers in a vulnerable financial situation, a position made worse by the fact that grieving individuals often do not comparison shop for funeral home services, interment options, or other final arrangement services (Senate investigates fraud..., 2000). Grief-stricken mourners may be susceptible to subtle and not-so-subtle coercion and led to purchase final arrangement options beyond their ability to pay.
Singletary (2000) described her own experience in attempting to make final arrangements on behalf of her deceased brother. Noting that her primary emotion at the time was one of guilt and responsibility, coupled with loss, Singletary (2000) states that she did manage to "comparison shop" among several different funeral homes and cemeterians before making her final choice. Nevertheless, in her experience, the price range for a funeral ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 with caskets alone averaging about $2,000."
This paper explores existing literature, including peer-review journals and professional publications, regarding the impact of aging baby boomers on future health care.
Abstract The paper seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding of baby boomers, with their possible effects on the health care system. The writer claims that this understanding can assist with the planning of future directions for care of the baby boomers as well as the rest of the American population. The paper provides a summary of historical information and does not yield empirical findings.
From the Paper "State and federal funding currently account for 50% of health care costs. Some believe that Congress will provide health care for the entire population by 2004. Baby boomers want more than this essential care and search for alternatives that would provide optimal care (Binzberg & Minogiannis, 2000). The dissatisfactions and expectations of the baby boomers have been reflected by the changes in the healthcare system thus far. They are the largest buying population and are demanding more information and options. How this quality of health care will be provided, remains the current and future challenge."
Tags: medical, health, system, generation, population
This paper discusses that the United States most develop an adequate system for long-term care to meet the long-term care needs of an aging population.
Abstract This paper states that concerns about anticipated demographic changes are escalating the financing problem of long-term care for the elderly. The author relates that nursing home care costs can average approximately fifty-five thousand dollars annually per person with many nursing home residents paying the bulk of the rates out of their own pockets. The author believes that a legitimate solution to resolve the problem is to go to a single payer national health insurance program, a single government fund within each state, which pays hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.
From the Paper "Some alternative financing options for long-term care financing can emerge from homeownership but the financial industry has to agree that there is a viable reason in pursuing these options. For example, the public in recent years has pursued the home equity conversions but banks have made these instruments remain limited. In the case of fixed-term reverse mortgages, which I discussed earlier, the lending institutions have shown a reluctance to enter into these nontraditional relationships. ?The banking industry may have considered the fact that in the situation of where the elderly live longer than expected, it may force the financial institutions to foreclose or postpone claiming their assets. Banks do not like waiting to be repaid, and foreclosing on elderly widows conjures up the worst image of bankers. Neither option is attractive to the financial community.? "
Abstract The paper examines the biological, social and psychological aspects of successful aging. It also discusses what is involved in achieving productive aging. The paper looks at the impact on society of aging populations and shows how government programs and social policies must make the necessary changes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Definitions
Different Aspects of Aging
Why Active Aging?
How to Achieve Active Aging?
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "According to the World Health Organization, ?Active aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. The word "active" refers to "continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force. Older people who retire from work and those who are ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations" (World Health Organization, 2002)."
Abstract While it is true that a greater proportion of individuals in nursing homes have depression than the general population, the majority of these individuals are over 80 and experience chronic illness and pain. In addition, many of them have lost their loved ones and are alone most of the day. This paper discusses the factors which lead to the popular belief that depression and lack of well-being affect anybody over the age of 65. Some of the factors discussed include media attention on the negative aspects of aging, the focus on youth and beauty and general stereotyping. The paper also looks at several studies done on the myth about a clear-cut link between growing old and losing one's sense of well-being. The paper concludes that depression and despondency are not preset characteristics of all aging individuals. Rather, they are symptoms of other problems such as boredom, economic or social disadvantage or chronic illness.
From the Paper "Lucille B. Bearon, Ph.D. recommends that a two-tiered approach to defining successful aging (one for healthy older adults and one for the frail) more accurately fits the realities of aging. As the older population increases in diversity, the concept of successful aging may become even more difficult to define without expanding the number of models. One solution may be to return to an earlier theme that successful aging is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, successful aging is measured by indicators of subjective well-being such as life satisfaction, happiness, morale, perceived quality of life or other related measures of negativity such as depression, anxiety, etc."
This paper reviews the article "Voluntary Death: A Comparison of Terminal Dehydration and Physician-Assisted Suicide" by Franklin G. Miller and Diane E. Meier.
Abstract This paper presents the pro's and con's of terminal dehydration, the total withdrawal of food, water and treatment methods from the patient that hastens his death. The author points out that terminal dehydration may prove to be a stressful and excruciating experience for the patient as well as the caregivers because death by terminal dehydration can take as much as 3 to 4 weeks and is crueler than physician-assisted suicide. The author believes that whatever the reasoning we still cannot justify terminal dehydration or any other form of foregoing life as an acceptable clinical practice and stresses the importance of palliative care based on love and a sense of collective responsibility of taking care of the incapacitated elders.
From the Paper "Since it is within the legitimate rights of the patient to either refuse or accept treatment, terminal dehydration is legally admissible. Hence, there are no real legal conflicts or controversies involved in terminal dehydration. On the other hand, it is a breach of the fundamental rights of the patient and a compromise on his autonomy to coerce him to undergo painful, restrictive and intrusive treatment methods. However, we have to understand that the absence of legal restrictions does not suggest an automatic approval of terminal dehydration as an acceptable clinical practice. In other words, terminal dehydration is not absolved of the ethical and moral controversies which surround other active forms of euthanasia."
Tags: palliative, justification, withdraw, legal, right
