Vital Involvement Practice: strengths as more than tools for solving problems.

This article describes Vital Involvement Practice, a strength-based approach to clinical practice with elders, including those who are extremely frail. Using this approach, practitioners have been able to help elders increase later-life vitality and associated positive quality of life through: (1) systematic identification of individual strengths and assets (found both in the person and in the surrounding environment), and (2) consideration of these strengths alongside the individual and environmental deficits that are the subject of most geriatric practice. The approach utilizes original data-gathering tools (Occupational Profile; Life Strengths Interview Guide) and a stepwise, worksheet- structured consideration of these data in order to formulate action strategies for achieving client goals (Domain Scan; Domain Goals; Life Plan/Strategy). All elements of VIP emerged in pilot work with gerontological practitioners and their elder clients in such settings as: primary health care; government social service; subsidized senior housing; private clinical practice; community recreation. Limitations, implications, and promise are noted, with respect to practice and research.

Promoting vital involvement.

Health care for the elderly generally focuses on health problems. This approach ignores the strengths and resources that maximize a person's autonomy, integrity, and ability to make contributions to society; and it exacerbates poor health. Vital involvement practice (VIP) is an approach to caring for the elderly that emphasizes an individual's capabilities by exploring factors both internal and external to the individual. VIP is identified as a model for health care providers that will improve the health and quality of life of elderly patients.