| Senior centers were organized to promote socialization of the well elderly. Demographic changes have resulted in an increase in persons over 65 who have specific health needs. A number of senior center members may require day care. In this study, data were collected on senior center users and managers.; Simple random selection of eligible center users was executed. Hypothesis I: The prevalence of cognitive, physical, and social function impairment is significantly greater in rural than in urban senior center users. Hypothesis II: A significant proportion of current senior center users will qualify for admission to day care due to cognitive, physical, and social function impairment. A related purpose was to discover the barriers to day care.; The health and functional characteristics of 111 York County, Pennsylvania, senior center members were measured. Four data collection instruments were administered, including the Mini-Mental State Exam (Folstein, Folstein, & McHugh, 1975), Index of Activities of Daily Living (Lawton & Brody, 1969), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Fillenbaum, 1985), and the Health Questionnaire.; Significantly more rural center members experienced urinary incontinence as compared to their urban counterparts. A significantly greater number of urban center users were dependent in housekeeping tasks than rural subjects. A significant proportion of rural and urban study participants were eligible for day care screening on the basis of cognitive, physical, or social limitations.; Thirteen York County senior center directors were interviewed. Their perceptions about management practices and barriers to day care were attained. On average, 2.5 staff members assisted needy individuals and planned activities for the well elderly. Caregiving demands burdened a lean staff. Day care centers were not readily available or accessible.; It was recommended that a model be developed that combined the senior center and day care. The innovative concept would integrate services for well and frail elders and respond to the needs of the growing number of community residing elders. Use of health information reduces uncertainty about planning for appropriate levels of care. Benefits include delivery of cost effective community service and increased quality of life for clients. |
