Work Programming with Geriatric Mental Health Clients

Abstract

Demographics alone draw a clear picture of how rapidly the United States is changing. Due to advances in medicine and technology, the number of Americans living a long time is increasing. The U.S. Bureau of the Census indicated in 1982 that older Americans represented 1l.6% ofthe U.S. population. This age group is projected to increase up to 35 million, comprising 13.1% of the citizenry, by the year 2000. Although many older individuals remain active and healthy, the incidence of chronic disease and related disabilities increases significantly from 3.1 % for people under 45 years of age to 18.5% for the 55-64-year age group.l This increase in both frequency and rate also holds true for occupational disabilities and secondary work limitations. It is greater after age 55 than for any age group.2 The graying of America is having an effect on the planning and design of national economic, health, and social policies. Certainly, changes in health care provision have reflected this situation. Hasselkus3 describes five major trends occurring in geriatric health care and how these trends relate to occupational therapy: (1) integration of rehabilitation concepts into geriatric care, (2) function as an emerging concept of health, (3) promotion of active client participation, (4) increased focus on family support, and (5) increased emphasis on working with the client within the community context. This article examines the issues of work programming in geriatric groups, particularly occupational therapists' role in work programming for geriatric mental health clients.