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The changing skill requirements for the occupations of childcare worker and eldercare provider in Great Britain were examined. Data were collected from the following: review of existing literature; preliminary exploratory interviews with representatives of voluntary organizations, professional bodies, training providers, organizations involved in supporting caregivers, and others; in-depth interviews with 16 representatives of 8 organizations providing eldercare and 9 managers of childcare programs; and a seminar to refine the study findings and conclusions. The study focused on the following: the childcare and eldercare sectors and changes affecting them; current and future job skill requirements for entry and senior care workers and managers; recruitment, recruitment difficulties, and skill shortages; and provision of training. In 1996, approximately 4% of the British work force worked in child care and related occupations and 2% worked in eldercare. Although both occupations have recently experienced and will likely continue to experience significant growth, both remain among the lowest-paid occupations. The personal skills and attitudes and personal, social, medical, and domestic care requirements for both occupations were identified. Although training has not traditionally been considered very important for either occupation, some respondents were beginning to pay greater attention to training and development. (Contains 39 references.) (MN)

This book reviews changes in work and family structures and their effects on worker productivity and employer practices. The first two chapters introduce the topic and trace the history of family structure and composition in the United States, the changing nature of employment, and the central role of the employment relationship to the social welfare system. Chapter 3 reviews available research on the advantages and disadvantages for adults, children, and the elderly of being members of families in which all the adults are employed. In the context of extensive changes in the family and the workplace and related problems, chapter 4 examines how dependents are currently cared for, as well as the outcomes and costs of various types of programs. Chapters 5 and 6 provide a detailed review and evaluation of existing programs offered by employers and presents ideas for innovative programs, including what can be learned about their costs and benefits. Among these are such standard benefits as sick leave and health insurance and such new benefits as family leave and flexible benefits. Chapter 7 examines the practices of other advanced industrialized countries to identify what the United States can learn from their experiences. Chapter 8 presents findings of the Panel on Employer Policies and Working Families (established after a planning meeting in February 1987) and conclusions for policies, programs, and future research. Appendixes include 444 references, a list of background materials, data needs and research agenda, and biographical sketches of panel members. An index is provided. (YLB)

These 11 papers consider the older learner as a consumer of education and examine how the concepts of education, educators, institutions, and learners must be revised if educational involvement in later life is to be regarded as the norm. Following a prologue, "Education and the Interpretation of Life Experience" (Michel Philibert), the four papers in part I examine the needs of the older learner and assess the response that institutions and non-formal networks are making or might make. Topics include "Continuing Education and the Older Learner" (Arthur Stock), "Education and the Older Learner: Current Developments and Initiatives" (Chris Phillipson), "Unemployment and Redundancy: Implications for Pre-Retirement Education" (Phillipson), and "Institutional Care: The Creation of a Learning Environment" (Ian Walker). Part II is composed of reports of seven projects that illustrate the practical application of progressive thinking. The projects are "Learning in Later Life" (Joanna Bornat) at the Polytechnic of North London; "The Creative Crafts Project," an experiment in informal learning for children and older adults (Laura Gamble); "Senior Service: An Experiment in Broadcasting on Local Radio for Older Listeners" (Bornat); "Outreach Education in Day Centres" (Cynthia Wyld); "Outreach Education from an Adult Education Centre" (Allin Coleman); "Recall, An Audio-Visual Stimulus to Reminiscence" (Susanna Johnston); and "Pre-Retirement Education: A Biographical Approach" (Bornat). (YLB)

Chapter 13 of the book "The Complete Guide to Medicaid & Nursing Home Costs" is presented. The article discusses alternative services for older people aside from nursing homes in the U.S. Overviews of home care programs adopted by many states to cut Medicaid spending are offered including New Hampshire's Adult Family Care program, the Alabama Choices program, and the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. Other alternative services include adult daycare and assisted living centers.