Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Cherie Graves

Abstract

Purpose: The focus of this scholarly project was to create a group protocol to increase the quality of life and well-being of older adults living in an assisted living facility (ALF). Furthermore, it promotes increased engagement in meaningful activities to combat health disparities and provide education on various areas of wellness. Older adults' quality of life and well-being are impacted when residing in an ALF due to decreased engagement in wellness activities (Bartley et al., 2018; Morgan et al., 2016). Furthermore, risk factors and health disparities increase among the older adult population, which causes a negative impact on everyday routines (Jansson et al., 2021; Plys & Qualls, 2020).

Method: A literature review was conducted to explore the needs and disparities surrounding older adults living in ALF. To guide the development of this group protocol, the Environment Health Occupation Well-Being (E-HOW) model (Pizzi & Richards, 2017), the eight dimensions of wellness (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2016), and the geragogy learning theory (Bastable et al., 2020) were utilized. Evaluation measures relating to quality of life and well-being were also reviewed and selected to measure the outcomes of the wellness program.

Results: The created product is an eight-week wellness program with meaningful, occupation-based, evidence-based activities and interventions. The program's hands-on activities and educational materials designated to different dimensions of wellness promote the transfer of skills to everyday routines and habits. An individual of any profession can administer the wellness program within an ALF, however program evaluation requires collaboration with an occupational therapy practitioner.

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