Although means-testing for Social Security transfers is economical, it hasn't proven to be very effective. In this book Paul Dornan considers the problems of non-take up of means tested benefits by pensioners. As high take-up would be an important step in combating poverty, this book offers solutions and options to tackle these problems.

Although means-testing for Social Security transfers is economical, it hasn't proven to be very effective. The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and the Pension Credit initiatives implemented by the Labour Government in the UK have both suffered from low levels of take up amongst entitled pensioners. This book sheds important new light on this pressing problem, examining existing research on take-up and highlighting gaps in understanding. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical base, drawing on European theory and applying it to the UK. Socio-economic, demographic and attitudinal trends are analyzed to elucidate the impact they have had, and will have, on the proportion entitled to MIG and its take-up rate. Current policy is also analyzed to explore the importance of take-up for the Labour government and the prospects of improving it. As high take-up would be an important step in combating poverty, this book offers solutions and options to tackle these problems. It is therefore of critical interest to academics and policy makers in the UK and around the world.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.

As the first of the nation's 78 million baby boomers begin reaching age 65 in 2011, they will face a health care workforce that is too small and woefully unprepared to meet their specific health needs. Retooling for an Aging America calls for bold initiatives starting immediately to train all health care providers in the basics of geriatric care and to prepare family members and other informal caregivers, who currently receive little or no training in how to tend to their aging loved ones. The book also recommends that Medicare, Medicaid, and other health plans pay higher rates to boost recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and care aides. Educators and health professional groups can use Retooling for an Aging America to institute or increase formal education and training in geriatrics. Consumer groups can use the book to advocate for improving the care for older adults. Health care professional and occupational groups can use it to improve the quality of health care jobs.

"Nurses play a vital role in improving the safety and quality of patient car -- not only in the hospital or ambulatory treatment facility, but also of community-based care and the care performed by family members. Nurses need know what proven techniques and interventions they can use to enhance patient outcomes. To address this need, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), with additional funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has prepared this comprehensive, 1,400-page, handbook for nurses on patient safety and quality -- Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. (AHRQ Publication No. 08-0043)." - online AHRQ blurb, http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nurseshdbk/