Mutual Help for Community Elderly: The Mutual Help Model. Volume II. Handbook for Developing a Neighborhood, Group Program

摘要

Intended for administrators and program developers involved in the delivery of community services for the elderly, this handbook provides practical steps to follow in establishing and maintaining a decentralized, group - oriented community program known as the 'mutual help' model. The model may be sponsored by multipurpose senior centers, social agencies, or community health centers, and features a decentralized service program of small social groups organized within identifiable neighborhoods for the elderly. All elderly residents (mobile and homebound) of that geographic area are members. The model emphasizes that each older adult has both needs and resources that can be met in different ways, and builds a community within a community as an alternative to social isolation, relocation, premature hospitalization, or institutionalization. Practical information is provided for getting such a program started, including hiring the supervisor, establishing community contacts, hiring community workers, locating the elderly, dividing the neighborhood into groups, staff orientation, and calling the first meeting. Information on running the program covers supervision, recording, leading a neighborhood group, program ideas, setting up a board of directors, and evaluating the program. Two main factors in making such a program work are assessing the role the program is providing for each of the group members, and having enough personal contact with elderly persons within the neighborhood to know their individual needs. Figures and a bibliography of informal support programs for the elderly are included.