COPING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: A NEW SERVICE FOR ELDERLY CLIENTS

This paper describes a model project that has been developed to teach effective coping skills to the aged. A coping skills program (1) fosters a supportive atmosphere where participants can share feelings and learn to cope with crisis situations; (2) provides extensive information about transitions common to the older adult; and (3) provides experiential processes that focus on personal problem solving and personal coping strategies. Recommendations are made for further research in this area.