Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Breann Lamborn
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this product was to collaborate with residents and the activities department in a rural skilled nursing facility (SNF) to create leisure activities to address common chronic conditions and the needs or wants of the residents. With aging comes more chronic conditions and less physical activity, socialization, and time engaged in activities, affecting quality of life (QOL) and well-being (Causey-Upton,2015; Cudjoe et al., 2020; Nedjeljeko et al., 2021; Portillo et al., 2023; Sen et al., 2022; Smallfield & Molitor, 2018; World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Providing residents with more meaningful leisure activities will assist the SNF staff in addressing those common concerns through physical, social, creative, and cognitive skills (Cirillo, A., 2022; Senior Services of America, n.d.).
Method: A literature review needs assessment was done to find different ways to address common chronic conditions and occupational deprivation in the adult population residing in SNFs. Various health concerns of the population were analyzed, along with how to address them, increase leisure engagement, and what activities should be utilized in a SNF. The environmenthealth- occupation-well-being (E-HOW) model was used to guide the literature review needs assessment and develop the product (Pizzi & Richards, 2017). The final product was molded and created while completing a placement in a rural SNF.
Results: The final product is an activity resource guide that provides activities to SNF staff to impact the residents' quality of life and well-being positively. This guide can be used and adapted for rural SNFs or assisted living facilities to provide ideas for activities that may fit the residents' needs and interests.
Conclusion: The evidence-based resource guide was created to assist the activities director and SNF staff members in providing activities that will positively impact the resident’s well-being and QOL. The resource guide was created from learning about the residents' interests and comparing those to what the evidence states are the most beneficial activities to address common health disparities seen in the population. This product is intended to enhance the residents’ health, well-being, and QOL through activities that address physical, social, creative, and cognitive skills. Future research should look to determine more activities that address all skill and leisure areas that will benefit their overall health.
Recommended Citation
Dullum, Stephanie, "Addressing Occupational Deprivation And Alienation In Rural Skilled Nursing Facilities Through An Activities Resource Guide" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 638.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/638