Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Julie Grabanski

Second Advisor

Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Title: Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote leisure engagement for residents with dementia in long-term care (LTC) facilities to enhance their overall health, well-being, and quality of life (QOL).

Methodology: A thorough literature review supported the need for increased leisure engagement in LTC facilities for residents with dementia. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, impact a resident’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations which leads to occupational deprivation. In addition, a decline in leisure engagement has been found to negatively impact one’s health, well-being, and QOL. The product of this scholarly project was created with the Environment- Health-Occupation-Well-being (E-HOW) model and the Cognitive Disabilities Model (CDM) as a guide.

Results: A manual was created titled Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life to increase leisure engagement for residents with dementia in LTC facilities by creating activities specific to their level of cognition. The manual included information on Allen Cognitive Levels (ACL), activity selection and set up, and appropriate cueing.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life will enhance the quality of life of residents with dementia living in LTC facilities through engagement in leisure activities. The manual serves as a guide to creating leisure activities specific for residents with dementia by incorporating their interests while taking into consideration their level of cognition.

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