This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Oleson, M. Articles by Odiet, M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Oleson, M. Articles by Odiet, M. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Improving nursing home quality of life: Residents helping residents

School of Nursing, Nursing Systems Department, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Rita Torgerud, RN, C

Doris Bernette, RN, C

Patricia Steiner, BSN, RN, C

Marta Odiet, LPN

Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tomah, Wisconsin

Is it possible to have a positive impact on the quality of life (QOL) of nursing home residents? This pilot project tested a goal-focused intervention designed to improve QOL. In a sample of nursing home residents with cognitive impairments, investigators compared outcomes of residents who experienced the intervention as pairs with those who experienced it as singles. To various degrees, all 16 male residents (mean age = 66.6) who participated in the project attained individualized goals. Pre- to post-intervention, mean ratings for QOL measures increased for the total group, with the exception of perceived health, which decreased slightly. Pairs had greater frequency of increased ratings than singles. Further, nurses reported pairs initiated social and helping behaviors more frequently than singles.

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 13, No. 3, 138-145 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/153331759801300306


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?