Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Wanda Lauer
Abstract
Title: Engage as You Age: An Interprofessional Toolkit to Increase Meaningful Activity in long-term care Facilities
Background: When making the major life transition of moving into a long-term care facility, older adults have an increased chance of experiencing negative mental health symptoms. During this life transition, older adults may experience loss of self-efficacy, because of the shift from their preferred roles and activities. When older adults do not engage in their preferred activities and/or roles, they may experience loss of motivation or energy which can eventually lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. For residents in rural long-term care facilities, there are limited mental health resources because of accessibility (available services, transportation, etc.) and acceptability (biases, stigma, etc.). Therefore, to address mental health in rural facilities with limited resources, meaningful activity can be used to address mental health symptoms.
Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a toolkit for the interprofessional team that helps increase the amount of meaningful activity for residents. The tools within the product were designed to benefit both residents and staff through increasing meaningful engagement amongst both groups. The overall goal is to improve the residents’ sense of self efficacy to improve their mental health.
Methodology: The scholarly project was created through completing a literature review, needs assessment, skilled observation in a long-term care facility, and communication with long-term care staff and residents. The Ecology of Human Performance (EHP), Montessori, andragogy, and geragogy were used throughout the project’s development.
Conclusion: This scholarly project was created to address the need for mental health services long-term care facilities. The toolkit is meant to increase the amount of meaningful engagement between residents and staff. The end goal of the toolkit is that both residents and staff will experience an increase of meaning in their daily life/work. vii
Recommended Citation
Greenmyer, Annah, "Engage As You Age: An Interprofessional Toolkit To Increase Meaningful Activity In Long-Term Care Facilities" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 628.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/628