Chronically Disabled Elderly in Society

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.

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.