The Chronically Disabled Elderly in Society - (Contributions to the Study of Aging) by Merna J Alpert (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this period of upheaval of our nation's health care system, this timely work serves to increase awareness of and knowledge about the problems of societal living among the chronically disabled elderly. To meet the goal of optimal social functioning of the chronically disabled, past and present attitudes and practices of education, health care, and social service providers need to be examined and in many cases changed or discarded. Focusing on macro and micro contexts--and using examples to highlight actual experiences and processes--the need for a comprehensive approach to chronic disabling conditions is illustrated. This work has important implications for institutions of education in health and social sciences, policy makers in health care and social services, advocacy groups for the elderly and disabled, and individuals and families facing the care of the chronically disabled.

Book Synopsis

In this period of upheaval of our nation's health care system, this timely work serves to increase awareness of and knowledge about the problems of societal living among the chronically disabled elderly. To meet the goal of optimal social functioning of the chronically disabled, past and present attitudes and practices of education, health care, and social service providers need to be examined and in many cases changed or discarded. Focusing on macro and micro contexts--and using examples to highlight actual experiences and processes--the need for a comprehensive approach to chronic disabling conditions is illustrated. This work has important implications for institutions of education in health and social sciences, policy makers in health care and social services, advocacy groups for the elderly and disabled, and individuals and families facing the care of the chronically disabled.

Review Quotes

"This work has a broad, interdisciplinary view of the chronically disabled elderly. It guides faculty who are introducing this complex subject to students and encourages them to consider the totality of communal life for elderly with a disabling condition."-Erdman B. Palmore, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Medical Sociology Duke University Center for the Study of Aging, Durham, NC

?The last decade has seen limited but notable growth in literature on the social aspects of aging with a disability and The Chronically Disabled Elderly in Society is a welcome addition. Its publication as No. 24 in the "Contributions to the Study of Aging" series for which the noted gerontologist Erdman B. Palmore is advisor helps to advance recognition of disability as an increasingly common element of individual and population aging.?-Disability Studies Quarterly

?This volume approprite for students, new and experienced professionals in the field of aging. Its greatest strenght is in the emphasis on social, rehabilitative and adaptive strategies and equipment (such as hearing aids and assistive devices) not usually convered under the current Medicare And Medicaid programs.?-Journal of Gerontological Social Work

?This work has important implications for institutions of education in health and social sciences, policymakers in health care and social services, advocacy groups for the elderly, and individuals and families facing the care of the chronically disabled.?-Aging Network News

"This volume approprite for students, new and experienced professionals in the field of aging. Its greatest strenght is in the emphasis on social, rehabilitative and adaptive strategies and equipment (such as hearing aids and assistive devices) not usually convered under the current Medicare And Medicaid programs."-Journal of Gerontological Social Work

"This work has important implications for institutions of education in health and social sciences, policymakers in health care and social services, advocacy groups for the elderly, and individuals and families facing the care of the chronically disabled."-Aging Network News

"The last decade has seen limited but notable growth in literature on the social aspects of aging with a disability and The Chronically Disabled Elderly in Society is a welcome addition. Its publication as No. 24 in the "Contributions to the Study of Aging" series for which the noted gerontologist Erdman B. Palmore is advisor helps to advance recognition of disability as an increasingly common element of individual and population aging."-Disability Studies Quarterly

About the Author

MERNA J. ALPERT is a diplomate as a licensed clinical social worker by the National Association of Social Workers. She is the retired executive coordinator of CAPE, a mental health program for older adults funded by the New York City Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Alcoholism Services. She also has served as adjunct assistant professor of social work at Hunter College, City University of New York. She was a mentor, at assistant professor level, at Empire State College in New York City, part of the SUNY system. She also has has been a guest lecturer at Georgia State University and at Mercer University in Atlanta.