Many studies have documented the importance of family and friends in providing long-term care to the elderly. A study conducted in 1982 examined a nationally representative probability sample of informal caregivers assisting frail and/or disabled elderly persons in an effort to develop a descriptive profile of the informal caregiver. Data were drawn from the Informal Caregivers Survey, a component of the National Long-Term Care Survey (LTCS). From October 1982 through January 1983, interviews were conducted with 1,924 persons aged 14 years and older who were identified by the elderly participants of the LTCS as providing unpaid assistance with at least one activity of daily living. The results revealed that informal caregivers to the disabled elderly were predominantly female and that three-quarters of them lived with the care recipient. The findings suggest that caregivers as well as care recipients are a vulnerable group since one-third of the cargivers were over age 65, reported incomes in the poor to near-poor category, mid described their health status as fair or poor. Less than 10 percent of the caregivers reported purchasing services. Evidence was also found of competing familial ahd employment demands among a subgroup of caregivers. References and five data tables are appended. (Author/NB)

The study examined various methods of peer learning and their effectiveness in undergraduate nursing education. Using a specifically developed search strategy, healthcare databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles, with studies involving peer learning and students in undergraduate general nursing courses (in both clinical and theoretical settings) being included. The studies were published in English between 2001 and 2010. Both study selection and quality analysis were undertaken independently by two researchers using published guidelines and data was thematically analyzed to answer the research questions. Eighteen studies comprising various research methods were included. The variety of terms used for peer learning and variations between study designs and assessment measures affected the reliability of the study. The outcome measures showing improvement in either an objective effect or subjective assessment were considered a positive result with sixteen studies demonstrating positive aspects to peer learning including increased confidence, competence, and a decrease in anxiety. We conclude that peer learning is a rapidly developing aspect of nursing education which has been shown to develop students' skills in communication, critical thinking, and self-confidence. Peer learning was shown to be as effective as the conventional classroom lecture method in teaching undergraduate nursing students.

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Loneliness and depression are serious mental health concerns across the spectrum of residential care, from nursing homes to assisted and retirement living. Psychosocial care provided to residents to address these concerns is typically based on a long-standing tradition of 'light' social events, such as games, trips, and social gatherings, planned and implemented by staff. Although these activities provide enjoyment for some, loneliness and depression persist and the lack of resident input perpetuates the stereotype of residents as passive recipients of care. Residents continue to report lack of meaning in their lives, limited opportunities for contribution and frustration with paternalistic communication with staff. Those living with dementia face additional discrimination resulting in a range of unmet needs including lack of autonomy and belonging-both of which are linked with interpersonal violence. Research suggests, however, that programs fostering engagement and peer support provide opportunities for residents to be socially productive and to develop a valued social identity. The purpose of this paper is to offer a re-conceptualization of current practices. We argue that residents represent a largely untapped resource in our attempts to advance the quality of psychosocial care. We propose overturning practices that focus on entertainment and distraction by introducing a new approach that centers on resident contributions and peer support. We offer a model-Resident Engagement and Peer Support (REAP)-for designing interventions that advance residents' social identity, enhance reciprocal relationships and increase social productivity. This model has the potential to revolutionize current psychosocial practice by moving from resident care to resident engagement.

Key Words home health aides, long-term care workforce, staff recruitment, staff retention s Abstract Home health aides, home care workers, and personal care attendants form the core of the paid home care system, providing assistance with activities of daily living and the personal interaction that is essential to quality of life and quality of care for their clients. High turnover and long vacancy periods are costly for providers, consumers, their families, and workers themselves. In 2002, 37 states identified worker recruitment and retention as major priority issues. Demographic and economic trends do not augur well for the future availability of quality home care workers. Policymakers in the areas of health, long-term care, labor, welfare, and immigration must partner with providers, worker organizations, and researchers to identify and implement the most successful interventions for developing and sustaining this workforce at both policy and practice levels. The future of home care will depend, in large part, on this "third rail" of long-term care policy.