Independence and the Elderly

In the 1980s much research into the needs of the elderly was undertaken from the perspective of a 'sickness' model, a model which reinforced labels of elderly people as frail, disabled, dependent and economically unproductive. Few studies adopted a positive attitude to ageing and elderly people. Originally published in 1986, reissued here with a new preface, this book helped to redress this imbalance by focusing on the theme of independence, examined particularly from the perspective of current housing and social policies relating to elderly people at the time. The author looks at sheltered housing in detail, including discussion of alarm systems, 'staying put' schemes and residential homes. The book was essential reading for academics and practitioners in the health and social welfare fields with a concern for the elderly and the ways in which they could retain a meaningful independence.

Malcolm J. Fisk

Acknowledgements. New Preface. Part One: Introduction 1. Background Part Two: The Elderly at Home 2. Family, Friends and Social Activity 3. Domestic Care Services 4. Housing and Health 5. Community Alarm Systems 6. House Improvement Programmes 7. Care and Repair Part Three: The Elderly in Sheltered Housing 8. The Emergence and Role of Sheltered Housing 9. Issues for Debate 10. The Sheltered Housing Scene in Wales 11. A New Perspective on Sheltered Housing Part Four: The Elderly in Residential and Hospital Care 12. Residential Homes: The Scope for Change 13. Some Aspects of Hospital Care for the Elderly Part Five: Conclusions 14. Problems and New Policies. Appendixes. References. Index.