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Doing Good for the Aged Volunteers in an Ombudsman Program
Pat M. Keith
ISBN: 0-275-97698-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-97698-9
176 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 4/30/2003
List Price: $76.95 (UK Sterling Price: £53.95)
Discount Price: $38.48 Sale Price for U.S. Customers Only. Save 50%. Ends 12/31/2009.
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: This book is about the subjective and objective outcomes of the work of volunteer advocates in nursing facilities. The majority of the volunteers were older, and they served older persons through their work in an ombudsman program. The extent of involvement of older persons in volunteering suggests its importance to them, and it increasingly sustains human service programs for both the young and old.

Despite an increased emphasis on independent and assisted living for older persons, the need for oversight of care, welfare, and rights of the aged in nursing facilities remains. Indeed, in recognition of the need to provide advocacy services for vulnerable elderly, the Older Americans Act was amended in 1978 to require states to establish nursing home ombudsman/advocacy programs.

Ombudsman programs are based on the assumption that community involvement through volunteers will have a watchdog effect on behalf of residents and increase accountability among staff and administrators of nursing homes. The present study reveals volunteers' experiences in ombudsman programs. It provides insight into volunteers' thoughts about their work and their capabilities prior to their involvement as well as independent measures of the work of volunteers.
Table of Contents:
  • Introduction
    Procedures and Characteristics of the Sample
    Pathways to Volunteering: Interests and Skills of Volunteers
    Expected and Actual Difficulties of Volunteer Advocates
    Social-Psychological Outcomes of Volunteering: Effects of Demographic Characteristics, Training/Education Activities, and Participation
    Correlates of Primary Orientations of Volunteers
    Advocacy for the Aged in the Country and in the City
    Role Orientations, Attributions to Nursing Facility Personnel, and Unresolved Complaints of Volunteers
    Support from Others and Efficacy of Volunteers
    Training/Education Activities, Efficacy, and Worry Among Volunteers
    Images of Volunteerism: Personal Descriptions of Benefits, Advice, and Recommendations
    Concluding Thoughts about Implications for Practice
    References
    Index
About the Author: PAT M. KEITH is Professor of Sociology, Iowa State University.
LCC Class: 361
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