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The process by which elders with disabilities are forced to relocate from their homes to congregate living facilities is of critical societal importance. This article is a descriptive exploration of the lived experiences of forty-one persons aged 60 and over that made such a transition. This research assists social workers to better understand this vulnerable population. The social work profession serves the most vulnerable members of our society. The personal, professional, and policy implications that stem from research such as this enables the profession to carry out its stated commitments to our society's elderly cohort. KEYWORDS. Elders, disability, research on elders with disabilities, institutional placement of elders with a disability, social work, aging policy, congregate living facilities, vulnerable aged, gerontological social work, caregivers of elders with disabilities

Arthritic pain is a common and disabling problem for many older adults. There is widespread evidence that despite its prevalance and debilitating effects on the physical, emotional and cognitive status of older adults, arthritic pain remains under-treated in those age 65 and older. This condition significantly and negatively impacts older adult' quality of life and is a critical problem that requires the attention of gerontological social work. This chapter provides a brief summary of arthritic pain in older adults. It also discusses the treatment efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and psycho-educational programs for older adults with this type of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]