Older Americans are suffering from both physical and social losses as they age. These losses are sometimes accompanied by the elderly person's entrance into a long-term care facility. Some researchers have suggested that such facilities fail to maintain the residents' independent behavior. Others contend that behavior is plastic and can be changed. Based on the notion that there exists a potential for behavioral plasticity and optimization of residents' functioning, Burton and Bulgatz (1986) conducted a staff training program of behavioral management techniques which included examples of interactional procedures which should be beneficial to staff and residents of long-term care facilities. This follow-up study measured intervention effectiveness by observing and analyzing 12 behaviors in the clients' rooms, the dining room, and the television room or lounge. Frequency of behavior, frequency of antecedents and reinforcers, and behavioral time percentages were analyzed. Seventy-seven residents participated in the study. The results revealed a dramatic decline in antecedents given for dependent behavior and an increase in antecedents given for independent behavior. Although reinforcement use remained very similar, it did show a positive directional shift in usage. These findings suggest that continued behavioral management training is an important factor in the maintenance of independent behavior. (Author/NB)