Feasibility and Perceptions of Structured Group Reminiscence Photo Therapy on Depression Symptoms in Rural Elderly Long Term Care Residents: A Pilot Study
Location
Steelcase Lecture Hall
Description
INTRODUCTION: Mental health data suggests geriatric emotional and psychiatric conditions including depression are substantially higher among rural elders. As the age of the population increases it is imperative for healthcare providers to recognize the incidence of geriatric depression and discover innovative treatment interventions. Group reminiscence is one alternative in the treatment of geriatric depression. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of measuring the effect of weekly group reminiscence photo therapy on rural elderly nursing home residents’ depressive symptoms. METHODS: Eleven residents were purposively recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. The groups engaged in six weekly sessions. Each weekly session utilized a theme to initiate dialogue. The experimental group members employed the use of photos in the discussion. The control group used unstructured social interaction. Depression symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale throughout the intervention. At the completion of the six weekly group reminiscence sessions a post-intervention session was completed to elicit participants’ perceptions of the value of the experience. RESULTS: Data analysis is currently underway and will be completed by the time of the presentation. CONCLUSIONS: This presentation will highlight the results of this study and the need for future research in the use of group reminiscence photo therapy in the treatment of depression in rural long term care elders. Implications for nursing practice, research, and education will also be discussed.
Feasibility and Perceptions of Structured Group Reminiscence Photo Therapy on Depression Symptoms in Rural Elderly Long Term Care Residents: A Pilot Study
Steelcase Lecture Hall
INTRODUCTION: Mental health data suggests geriatric emotional and psychiatric conditions including depression are substantially higher among rural elders. As the age of the population increases it is imperative for healthcare providers to recognize the incidence of geriatric depression and discover innovative treatment interventions. Group reminiscence is one alternative in the treatment of geriatric depression. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of measuring the effect of weekly group reminiscence photo therapy on rural elderly nursing home residents’ depressive symptoms. METHODS: Eleven residents were purposively recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. The groups engaged in six weekly sessions. Each weekly session utilized a theme to initiate dialogue. The experimental group members employed the use of photos in the discussion. The control group used unstructured social interaction. Depression symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale throughout the intervention. At the completion of the six weekly group reminiscence sessions a post-intervention session was completed to elicit participants’ perceptions of the value of the experience. RESULTS: Data analysis is currently underway and will be completed by the time of the presentation. CONCLUSIONS: This presentation will highlight the results of this study and the need for future research in the use of group reminiscence photo therapy in the treatment of depression in rural long term care elders. Implications for nursing practice, research, and education will also be discussed.