Center Publications, Center for Gerontology
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- Crimes of Occasion, Desparation, and Predation Against America's EldersThe MetLife Market Institute; Center for Gerontology; The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) (The MetLife Mature Market Institute, 2011-06)
- Elderly & Disabled Waiver Services: Development of the Client Satisfaction Survey-Short FormsBrossoie, Nancy; Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Glass, Anne (Virginia Department of Medical Assisstance Services, 2005-04)This report is an addendum to an earlier report, Elderly & Disabled Waiver Services: Results of a Statewide Client Survey. Since the study’s distribution, further development and analysis of the Client Satisfaction Survey was conducted, with the purpose of creating a short form version to be administered by providers and utilization review analysts of Elderly and Disabled (E & D) Waiver services. Also, a second version of the short survey is presented for use during home visits as a supplement to questions asked of nursing supervisors and utilization review analysts.
- Elderly & Disabled Waiver Services: Provider Survey, Executive SummaryGlass, Anne; Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Department for Medical Assistance Services, 2003-03)
- Elderly & Disabled Waiver Services: Results of a Statewide Client Satisfaction SurveyGlass, Anne; Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Department of Medical Assisstance Services, 2004-10)As part of a “Real Choice Systems Change” grant received by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech conducted a statewide survey of clients receiving personal care services under the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled (E & D) Waiver. The goal was to learn about clients’ experiences with personal care, using performance, satisfaction, and outcome measures. Demographic data about clients and aides were also collected. A comparison of the study sample with the larger E & D Waiver population on the available indicators of age, gender, and location showed the sample was representative of the full E & D Waiver population. All planning districts were represented, and the regional distribution reflected that of the larger population. Therefore, findings and observations are likely to be applicable to the full population of E & D Waiver clients in Virginia.
- Elderly & Disabled Waiver Services: Utilization Review Summary ReportGlass, Anne; Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Department of Medical Assisstance Services, 2004-03): As part of Virginia’s Real Choice Systems Change Grant (July 20, 2001), the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech is responsible for Goal 4: “Address gaps in quality assurance and client satisfaction for community-based waiver service programs through the development of performance, outcomes, and satisfaction measures for continuous quality improvement and use.” To meet this goal, the Center has conducted extensive research in client satisfaction with E&D Waiver services (reported elsewhere, e.g., Glass, Roberto, Teaster & Brossoie, 2003a). In addition, the Center reviewed the existing Utilization Review (UR) process, as it is currently the primary means of quality assessment (QA) for the E&D Waiver program in Virginia. Our evaluation, based on the following activities, indicates that mechanisms are now in place to address and monitor the quality of services delivered by provider agencies. Continual development and refinement of the UR process will help ensure clients receive quality services and are satisfied with the assistance they receive.
- Elderly and Disabled Waiver Services: Important Dimensions From the Client's PerspectiveGlass, Anne; Roberto, Karen A.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Department for Medical Assistance Services, 2003-06)Little is known about home and community based services (HCBS) and even less about the quality of those services. As part of a “Real Choice Systems Change” grant received by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech conducted an exploratory survey of clients receiving HCBS under the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled (E & D) Waiver. The goal of the survey was to learn about clients’ experiences with HCBS and to identify the most important dimensions of service provision from their perspectives. An initial focus group with 11 caregivers was first held in Big Stone Gap. Twenty-five telephone interviews were then completed (18 clients and 7 caregivers) in five areas of the Commonwealth. Fifteen were in urban areas (Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Chesapeake) and ten in rural or non-metropolitan areas (New River Valley and Planning Districts 13 and 14).
- Fall Prevention in Late LifeCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2013-10)Falling is a major public health concern for older adults. One in 3 adults aged 65+ and 1 in 2 adults aged 80+ fall each year, often suffering major changes to health and quality of life. Unintentional falls and traumatic brain injuries result in significant morbidity and mortality; falls, in fact, are the leading cause of hospital admission and injury-related death in older adults. Reduction of fall risk is associated with improved physical and emotional well-being for aging adults, and risk minimization has the potential to enhance overall, long-term quality of life. Residents of long-term care facilities are at greater risk of falling than community-dwelling older adults, but both populations face significant fall risk. The specific fall prevention measures highlighted below are essential to reduce fall-related injury and mortality, as well as the high medical costs associated with falls in late life.
- Fear of Falling and Older Adults: Finding BalanceCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2013-10)Falls are a major public health concern for older adults. Annually, 1 out of every 3 Americans aged 65+ experiences a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for trauma and the leading cause of injury death for aging adults. Falls are also associated with numerous physical and psychological health conditions, decreased quality of life, and high health care costs. Fear of Falling (FOF) is defined as an exaggerated concern about falling or the belief that one cannot prevent a fall. Intense anxiety about falling can be experienced by older adults who have fallen, as well as those who have not. Although studies have shown that women are at an elevated risk, fear of falling affects both men and women. Awareness of fall statistics may instill a fear in individuals, leading to behavior changes that limit functional abilities. As a result, individuals may experience social isolation and decreased emotional well-being. Excessive worry about falls is directly associated with a decrease in quality of life for older adults. It is therefore crucial that aging individuals try to strike a balance: staying actively engaged with their normal routines as much as possible while implementing reasonable, proactive safety measures to prevent falls.
- Final Report Abstract: Caregivers of Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Information and Support NeedsRoberto, Karen A.; Blieszner, Rosemary; Brossoie, Nancy; Winston, Brianne L. (Alzheimer's Association, Medical and Scientific Affairs, 2007)
- Helping a Friend/Helping Yourself: Intimate Partner Violence & Rural Older WomenCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2010)Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse by a husband, boyfriend or other intimate partner. IPV may include harsh or cruel criticism, threats of abandonment, intentional isolation from family and friends, limits on the use of the phone, and denying medical treatment or medications in addition to physical abuse. IPV affects women of all ages regardless of income, education, residence, or social status. Older women often keep IPV hidden from family and friends at the expense of their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
- Improving Quality: A Guide For Virginia's Personal Care ProvidersCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2005-08)The goals of every business are to grow and prosper while providing the best services possible. The challenges of providing routine care and meeting the needs of regulations become easier when systems designed to enhance quality are in place. Unmet needs and challenges faced by recipients and providers are reduced to a more manageable size, thus increasing recipient satisfaction with services provided and quality of life. A commitment to quality will help make your business competitive, maximize your resources, and raise customer and employee satisfaction. No matter the size of the business you operate, quality assurance strategies are simple to use. The cost of making changes shouldbe related to agency processes and how staff members perform tasks, not finances. Within this brochure you will find helpful hints on how to implement strategies to help enhance your agency's services.
- Intimate Partner Violence & Rural Older Women Fact SheetCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2010)Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a spouse, boyfriend, or intimate partner. For older victims of IPV, statistics are not readily available because domestic violence data are generally not specific to violence in later life and elder abuse statistics do not specify abuse by a spouse or intimate partner. Furthermore, older abused women are thus less likely to report abuse to the authorities 1 out of shame, embarrassment, and social expectations to manage family matters privately. Yet, studies on IPV in later life indicate it is a hidden public health problem affecting nearly one‐third of all women ages 50+ each year. The following data offers a glimpse into the prevalence of IPV at the national, state, and local level.
- Intimate Partner Violence & Rural Older Women NRV Community Referral ListCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2010)A list of community resources and phone numbers for victims of intimate partner violence and community professionals.
- Intimate Partner Violence and Rural Older Women IPV Resource ListCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2010)A list of academic resources and websites about intimate partner violence.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): What do we do now?Center for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2006-10)This brochure provides information about mild cognitive impairment, including how to recognize the condition, seek medical help, and coping strategies for patients and families.
- Nursing Home Employees: Community Ecology and RetentionRoberto, Karen A.; Mancini, Jay A. (National Institutes of Health, 2003)
- Older Families in Rural Communities: Personal and Social Influences on Service UseRoberto, Karen A.; Blieszner, Rosemary (U. S. Department of Agriculture, 2002)The overall goal of this research project was to gather data from older adults and their family caregivers living in rural southwest Virginia to learn how health and community-based services programs can win greater acceptability in these rural communities as a suitable complement to or, when necessary, alternative to family caregiving.
- Osteoporosis & The Health of Virginia's Older Women: Issues & Consequences Affecting Quality of LifeRoberto, Karen A. (U. S. Department of Agriculture, 2002)
- Overview: Intimate Partner Violence & Rural Older WomenCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2010)Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a spouse, boyfriend, or intimate partner. It is a hidden public health problem, touching nearly one third of all women aged 50+ each year. IPV occurs regardless of income, education, residence, or social status. Older women experiencing IPV are adept at keeping their abuse hidden at the expense of their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. This shroud of silence surrounding IPV in late life is largely attributed to traditional and cultural ideology that prevents them from seeking help or seeing themselves as victims.
- Overview: Risk of Falling and Older AdultsCenter for Gerontology (Virginia Tech. Center for Gerontology, 2013-10)Falls are a major public health concern for older adults. Annually, 1 out of 3 Americans aged 65+ experiences a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for trauma and the leading cause of injury death for aging adults¹. Falls are also associated with numerous physical and psychological health conditions, decreased quality of life, and high health care costs.