RU's Gilbert discusses issues for caring for older adults

Sarah Gilbert assesses the basic gerontological needs of older adults and their families. She examines necessities such as reliable transportation and who prepares medicines and meals.

Answers to these questions can make a powerful difference in whether an older adult can live independently or in an assisted-living facility, said Gilbert, an associate professor of nursing at Radford University.

Adult children assume many of these responsibilities as their parents age. Gilbert's research is based on interviews with adult children, their spouses and/or partners to explore their experiences in assisting the older adult and when the decision is made to search for more supportive care in a facility.

Gilbert will discuss her research on With Good Reason the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3.

Listeners in the New River Valley can hear Gilbert on the program at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, on Public Radio WVRU 89.9.

With Good Reason has twice won the Gabriel Award for Best Documentary/Public Affairs Program and is also the recipient of top honors from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and a second place in the Public Radio News Directors' competition.

With Good Reason is produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities for the Virginia Higher Education Broadcasting Consortium and is broadcast in Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, Alaska, California, Michigan and Washington, D.C.