1. Community Collaboration
Failure to Thrive (FTT) in Elderly Clients
Causes
Malnutrition
Depression and dementing illnesses
Age-related changes
Inadequate support system
Attributes
Problems in social relatedness
Physical/cognitive dysfunction
Feelings of exclusion, shame, helplessness and worthlessness
Loneliness
Giving up

2. Community Collaboration
What will help?
Reminiscing
Create opportunities for elderly to share their stories and become socially involved
School mentoring program
Support groups at churches with others in their demographic
Day Care
To improve social interaction and increase activity
Work with organizations such as People Inc. and Aurora Adult Day Services to be sure that they are reaching the population and meeting these specific needs
Art therapy, exercise, nutritious meals

3. Community Collaboration
Validation Therapy
Acknowledging the person’s feelings as valid to restore dignity
Restore self-worth, reduce stress and justify living
Work with health care agencies and eldercare programs to educate them and train them to use validation therapy in their programs
Family system