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Contents of Most Recent Issue
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Journal of Aging & Social Policy
Vol. 18 No. 2
COMMENTARY
Weighing the Relevant Issues: Obesity in Nursing Homes
Kate L. Lapane, PhD
Linda Resnik, PhD
ABSTRACT. The obesity epidemic has touched all segments of society and every health care sector
including the nursing home industry. Understanding the issues related to the care of obese nursing home residents
is important in light of this epidemic. Such issues include the difficulties related to access to nursing homes, the
structural preparedness of nursing homes to care for obese patients, and the potential for staff injuries. Policies
regarding strategies to improve nursing home access for obese patients, mitigate disparities in quality of care and
health outcomes owing to obesity, and better prepare for the growing obesity epidemic are needed.
KEYWORDS. Obesity, nursing home, patient care, health services
GENERAL ARTICLES
A Prescription for More Retirement Income Security: Retiree Health Insurance Coverage in an Era of Declining Access to
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Christian E. Weller, PhD
Jeffrey B. Wenger, PhD
Elise Gould, PhD
ABSTRACT. As health care costs have been rising, especially for prescription drugs, employers have
curtailed access to employer-sponsored retiree health insurance, especially for future retirees. This paper studies
the question whether declining access has already translated into measurable loss of coverage for retirees. Based on
data from the Current Population Survey and the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, we find that retirees have lost
health insurance and prescription drug coverage since 1996. The declines are especially pronounced for men before age
65 and for all Medicare-eligible retirees between the ages of 65 and 74. Our results also suggest that coverage will
decline in the future.
KEYWORDS. Retirement, income security, employer-provided health insurance, health insurance
Elders and the Courts: Judicial Policy for an Aging America
Max B. Rothman, JD, LLM
Burton D. Dunlop, PhD
ABSTRACT. This article examines how trial courts should address complex issues of an aging society.
More older people, living longer, will enter courthouses with underlying problems that will impede effective access
and court processes and will require judges to enhance linkages with community health, mental health, and social
services providers. The article analyzes how court systems perceive these issues and explores how they have begun to
address them. It concludes with an argument in support of innovative new approaches to assist courts in responding
to emerging issues of older adults.
KEYWORDS. Elders, courts, community linkages, judicial policy
Financial Exploitation of Older Persons: Challenges and Opportunities to Identify, Prevent, and Address it in the
United States
Donna J. Rabiner, PhD
Janet O'Keeffe, DrPh
David Brown, MA
ABSTRACT. Financial exploitation is a recognized social problem of unknown, though likely increasing,
magnitude. It can occur through numerous methods, including the misuse of powers of attorney and guardianship, illegal
transfers of property, and outright fraud and theft. Financial crimes against older persons are difficult to address
because they often go unreported. This paper provides a summary of findings from a study of financial exploitation of
older persons. We review what is known about the nature and scope of financial exploitation of older persons and
describe barriers to addressing the problem. We also identify gaps in knowledge, discuss current methods for addressing
financial exploitation, and provide recommendations and suggested policy approaches for prevention and remediation.
KEYWORDS. Financial exploitation, older persons, elder abuse, financial abuse
INTERNATIONAL VIEW
The Supportive Community: A New Concept for Enhancing the Quality of Life of Elderly Living in the Community
Ayelet Berg-Warman, PhD
Jenny Brodsky, MS
ABSTRACT. This study examines supportive community programs in Israel, which aim to improve the
quality of life of the elderly. These innovative programs pool existing resources to provide a benefits package that
includes medical services, an emergency call switchboard, a "neighborhood facilitator," and social activities. Data
were collected in 2000-2001 using qualitative and quantitative methods. The program provides specific services to
meet needs that otherwise are not adequately addressed. The major contributions of the program reported by the members
was increasing their personal security (two-thirds), easing the burden on their children (one-third), and enabling
them to remain at home (one-quarter). The supportive community program enriches the variety of services available,
thus providing the elderly with the choice of staying within their familiar surroundings of their homes and
neighborhoods. This model appears to be both a cost-effective way to facilitate aging in place and a way to meet many
of the elderly's essential needs, thereby maintaining their quality of life.
KEYWORDS. Community services, aging in place, elderly in the community, supportive services
Recent Developments in Institutional Elder Care in China: Changing Concepts and Attitudes
Heying J. Zhan, PhD
Guangya Liu, BA
Xinping Guan, PhD
Hong-guang Bai, PhD
ABSTRACT. This study examines recent developments in institutional care for Chinese elders and
attitudinal changes toward institutional care in Tianjin, China. Based on studies in 12 elder home sites and survey
interviews with 265 older residents, this study compares institutional differences between government and
non-government-owned elder homes, and examines elders' evaluations of elder homes' quality and their level of
willingness to stay in elder homes. Findings suggest that government-owned elder homes still enjoy institutional and
bureaucratic privileges in funding, staffing, and insurance. Elders' overall evaluation of elder home quality was
high. Elders' former living arrangement and financial ability were related to their willingness to stay in the elder
home. The unfair competition between governmental and non-governmental elder homes is likely to hinder the development
of elder home industry in the free-market system and foster a growing gap between the rich and poor elders in their
capability and decisions in elder home care. As adult children become increasingly unavailable due to the one-child
policy and geographic mobility, institutional care for aging parents is likely to become one of the major options for
parent care.
KEYWORDS. Elder homes, elder care, government, culture, China
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