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Researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners who are concerned with the care of institutionalized aged are increasingly discussing the accountability of these facilities caring for such dependent populations. This paper points out the confusion regarding what should be the measure of effectiveness for institutions for the aged and, thus, what will be accountable. In answering the question of how to make institutions accountable, four systems of external surveillance are suggested along with the need for fiscal, medical, and professional accountability. The relationships between gerontological research and public policy are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Proprietary institutions caring for affluent elderly populations are different from those institutions caring for nonaffluent elderly populations. Discussed in this paper are differences in the quality of care, the quantity of resources, physical factors, and staff treatment and attitudes. An economic interpretation of the differences is arrived at, and it is believed that the disparities which exist in facilities for the aged of different socioeconomic status ought to be alleviated. A need for policy revisions and additional research is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It was presumed that the attitudes of supervisory personnel in institutions can influence the altitudes of their subordinates. To learn of the attitudes and opinions of supervisory personnel in a home for the aged, as well as similarities and dissimilarities, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 26 supervisors representing different occupations, levels of training, and years of experience. Differences in attitudes were found to exist. Findings have implications for continued research in this area, staff training, and administrative knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The extent of treatment resources within the 214 nursing homes serving the elderly in the Metropolitan Chicago area was found to be highly associated with 36 independent organizational characteristics. To systematize these characteristics, the intercorrelation matrix of the 36 measures was submitted to a factor analysis and three factors generated: organizational, social service, and health service systems. These factors were correlated wifth the extent of resources, and the results have relevance for licensing and surveillance of nursing homes, as well as for social welfare policy for the ill aged who need such care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]