Abstract:

Ageism is the general prejudice in both attitude and /or treatment towards older persons. Many older persons of our society may be considered handicapped because of the debilitating affects of ageism. There is a gap in community services to older persons. There are many attitudinal barriers and misconceptions this population must face on a day-to-day basis. As a result, many begin to assume a sick and dependent role and lose previously held coping skills. As older persons become a more significant factor in our society, the role of the rehabilitation professional must expand to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population. Current rehabilitative approaches must be modified, and new strategies must be cultivated to meet the needs of the older handicapped individual. Rehabilitation is a facilitative process enabling persons with a handicap to attain usefulness and satisfaction in life. This article discusses the need for preventative and innovative strategies in service provision for the older person. The importance in establishing rehabilitation services in non-traditional settings is also discussed, along with important considerations in establishing such innovative type programs.