NCJ Number
76288
Date Published
1977
Length
45 pages
Annotation
As part of a human services planning program in Johnson County, Iowa, the needs of the elderly population of the county were assessed, and recommendations were made to promote protection of the elderly from abuse, neglect, and exploitation through fulfillment of unmet service needs.
Abstract
Sources of information on human services and unmet needs were collected from agencies, churches, private practitioners in social work, psychologists and psychiatrists, support/advocacy groups, citizens, previously conducted studies, and census data. Although the human service needs of all county residents were assessed, this report focuses on the needs of the elderly. The data collected were compiled into service area profiles: goal, service area description, problem description, service population, services provided, and unmet needs. Recommendations were then made and adopted by the county after review by the community and the agencies surveyed. Of the sources contacted regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the elderly, the Department of Social Services Protective Service Unit reported that spouse abuse was the most frequent form of victimization, followed by abuse by family members and nursing home abuse. Currently, protection of the elderly is provided through advocacy services, health standards monitoring, and legal aid and counseling. Problems faced by agencies providing these services to the elderly are examined, and the unmet needs of the elderly identified, such as the need for additional crime prevention and awareness programs and for increased monitoring of nursing home practices. Five footnotes and an outline of recommendations relating to all service areas is provided, and a list of services provided by agency (including the funding source and number of clients served) is appended. No references are cited.