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Abstracts from the Journal of Rehabilitation Vol. 69, No. 2 April/May/June 2003 Contemporary Issues facing Aging Americans: Implications for Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Charlotte G. Dixon Michael Richard The University of South Florida Carolyn W. Rollins Florida State University ABSTRACT: Aging Americans represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. As the number of aging Americans continue to grow, attention must be given to addressing their future concerns. This article explores some of the varied and complex issues facing aging Americans such as financial instability, employment concerns, long-term care issues, grand-parenting issues, victimization and abuse, and mental health issues. The role of rehabilitation and mental health counseling professionals in meeting the needs of aging Americans is also explored. Mental Health and the Aging Population: Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors Elizabeth A. Swett University of Florida Malachy Bishop University of Kentucky ABSTRACT: The shift toward an increase in the size of the elderly population in the United States will mean increased labor force participation and an increased rate of disability among older Americans. These trends will translate into more opportunities for rehabilitation counselors to serve older consumers. Rehabilitation counselors possess a unique combination of knowledge and skills that make them particularly well suited to meet the rehabilitation needs of older adults. However, counselors often do not have the experience or the knowledge of issues specific to the older consumer that are needed to effectively work with this population. Mental health problems among the elderly are of particular concern due to their prevalence and potential impact on function and rehabilitation. This article describes three prevalent mental health problems among older consumers: (a) cognitive functioning, (b) depression, and (c) anxiety disorders, and provides recommendations for serving this population. Prevalent Mental Health Disorders in the Aging Population: Issues of Comorbidity and Functional Disability Susan D.M. Kelley University of South Florida ABSTRACT: Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are not part of the normal aging process; neither is dementia. Yet, many elders have mental health disorders and many of those disorders co-occur with physical illness and disability. Understanding manifestations of prevalent psychopathologies, the complexities of comorbidity, and implications for elders' overall health and quality of life is a serious concern for rehabilitation professionals. This article describes the most prevalent mental health disorders in later life, addresses issues of comorbidity, and discusses relevant treatment approaches. The article concludes by delineating implications for the rehabilitation professions. Underrepresented Ethnically and Racially Diverse Aging Populations with Disabilities: Trends and Recommendations Vivian M. Larkin Auburn University Reginald J. Alston University of Illinois Renée A. Middleton Auburn University Keith B. Wilson The Pennsylvania State University ABSTRACT: Service needs among aging historically underrepresented racially and ethnically diverse populations with disabilities are increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. Consequently, it is obvious that current rehabilitation legislation and practices must be refined and extended to provide opportunities for this population. This article familiarizes rehabilitation practitioners with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 1992 and 1998 amendments to the Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each of these initiatives establishes the potential for real reform in disability policy and practice. These pieces of legislation are discussed within the framework of aging racial and ethnic populations with disabilities and implications for improved service delivery. Rehabilitation and counseling practices desperately need to be reformed. In addition to reinforcing present laws, we must work within the system to make sure no disadvantaged aging individual is left behind. Aging represents the crowning point of one's life, thus, seniors should be viewed as contributing members of society, rather than a burden. It is clear that we have a legal as well as a moral responsibility to provide appropriate services. The key to effective service reform will include effective leadership, communication, collaboration, training, advocacy, and innovative legislative initiatives. Interagency Collaboration: Reinforcing Professional Bridges to Serve Aging Populations with Multiple Service Needs Debra A. Harley University of Kentucky Chandra Donnell University of Memphis Jo Anne Rainey Kentucky State University ABSTRACT: Aging consumers with disabilities have multiple needs that require services from various agencies. This article addresses implications for collaboration between vocational rehabilitation, social work, and mental health agencies. Attention is given to the basis for integrative and collaborative helping, as well as strategies for functional integration and collaboration. Recommend-ations are made regarding public policy and service coordination. Aging and Late-Onset Disability: Addressing Workplace Accommodation John Finch Mona Robinson COVA ABSTRACT: The acquisition of a disability at a later stage of life imposes specific limitations and increased difficulty regarding psychosocial adjustment. This article identifies and discusses some implications of late-onset disability with regard to vocational assessment, job placement, and workplace accommodation and technology. The purpose of this article is to identify some of the key issues affecting older persons, specifically those with late-onset disabilities (post age 55) and subsequently offer some recommendations for rehabilitation professionals to facilitate maximum adjustment to employment and other important life areas. Substance Abuse and the Elderly: Unique Issues and Concerns John J. Benshoff Laura K. Harrawood Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Darwin Shane Koch University of North Texas ABSTRACT: Data indicate that substance abuse problems are common in the elderly but are largely ignored. The elderly cohort of abusers is divided into early and late onset groups. Abuse moderating factors include cohort effects, socioeconomic status, and frail health, while exacerbating factors include discretionary income, status as a hidden population, and caregiver complicity. Physiological and psychological influences are concomitant to substance abuse. A number of screening instruments exist and treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of the elderly population. Expanding Rehabilitation Services to Meet the Legal Needs of Aging Americans Ray H. Doyle Jr. Ray H. Doyle Jr. & Associates Charlotte G. Dixon University of South Florida Corey L. Moore Langston University ABSTRACT: As the aging population in the United States continues to grow, increasing attention is being directed toward addressing their future healthcare planning and resource management needs. Many of these needs have traditionally been addressed by attorneys and other legal alternatives, however, a growing number of professions are now beginning to offer services designed to assist aging Americans with healthcare planning and resource management. This article discusses some of the legal issues facing aging Americans and describes ways in which rehabilitation professionals can begin to meet these needs. Order this issue! Issue Abstracts 2005 Vol. 71, No. 1 2004 Vol. 70, No. 1 Vol. 70, No. 2 Vol. 70, No. 3 Vol. 70, No. 4 2003 Vol. 69, No. 1 Vol. 69, No. 2 Vol. 69, No. 3 Vol. 69, No. 4 2002 Vol. 68, No. 1 Vol. 68, No. 2 Vol. 68, No. 3 Vol. 68, No. 4 2001 Vol. 67, No. 1 Vol. 67, No. 2 Vol. 67, No. 3 Vol. 67, No. 4 2000 Vol. 66, No. 1 Vol. 66, No. 2 Vol. 66, No. 3 Vol. 66, No. 4 |
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