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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Johnson, Robin L., May, 1968 (date?) - ELDERLY NEEDS IN A SOCIAL CONTEXT
Abstract: This study was conducted for STAR (Service to Aging and Retired)--Information & Referral, Aging Services Division, Pasco County. The purpose of the study is to investigate the social context of elderly needs in Pasco County, and to evaluate the impact of the Information & Referral (I&R) system. First, the study attempts to identify (1) public awareness of information and referral, (2) public usage of information and referral, and (3) efficiency of information and referral in meeting the needs of county residents. Second, the study investigates the social context of elderly needs in regard to (1) how one's personal network relates to need areas, (2) how one's social network and associated needs are related to social and/or physical isolation or participation, and (3) how demographic, geographic, and situational factors are related to personal network characteristics. Pasco County has experienced a tremendous population increase in the last decade along with an upsurge in social services, particularly for the elderly. In adapting to these changes, agencies throughout the county have felt the need for more systemized planning. Most have responded to this need by conducting small-scale needs assessments or relying on statewide studies for local planning. This study places primary emphasis on supplementing basic data provided through needs assessment with an understanding of the social context in which needs arise and are fulfilled. This study employs the concept of network analysis in investigating the social context of elderly needs. Considering time restrictions and the population size of the county, the sample size was set at 250 households. The sample was then weighted proportionately according to the population distributions in six census enumeration districts which comprise the county. Households were identified by using county aerial maps from which specific households were selected from a random numbers table. The survey instrument is composed of two sections: (1) the information and referral (I&R) questionnaire, and (2) the elderly network questionnaire. The I&R questionnaire was administered to all 250 respondents, and the elderly network only when a person 60 years of age or older resided in the household. There were 141 elderly network interviews obtained. In the I&R questionnaire, a frequency of responses to each question is the basis for the analysis. In the elderly network questionnaire, analysis focuses on the primary contact persons mentioned by the respondent and the forms of transactions that occur in their personal network. Through analysis of characteristics of transactions, it is possible to identify the socially isolated in need of services. Furthermore, specific needs can be associated with these isolated elderly through identifying the extent and form of help available through personal contacts. The results of the I &R questionnaire indicate a vagueness as to the function of I&R as a community service. This vagueness contributes to the underutilization of the service. Therefore, recommendations were made for increased publicity on both a residential and agency level. The results of the elderly network questionnaire show that personal network characteristics are related to social and/or physical isolation or participation. Also, it is found that the number of transactions engaged in is a better indicator of isolation or participation than is the actual size of a person's network. Recommendations are made for improving research in the area of elderly needs. Also, recommendations are made to agencies for improving present need assessment and client evaluation techniques, and developing network intervention programs to increase potential resources to elderly persons through their own personal network.
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