Abstract:

Examines the common issues & approaches necessary to the development of a service network for those persons who may require additional or different services that fall outside the scope of the traditional aging service system. Poverty, drugs, & changing societal values have given rise to a special population of older persons, including the abused, the developmentally disabled, substance abusers, & gays & lesbians, who all suffer from the dual stigmatism of ageist attitudes & beliefs combined with the concomitant stereotyping that results from their select characteristics. In addition, these special populations have to confront caregiving stresses & needs, lack of knowledge by service providers, varying definitions of developmental disabilities & aging, & differences in treatment & services that may cause them to fall between the cracks of the aging service system. Service providers & policy planners must be educated as to the special needs of the older population, while linking existing service systems.