Positive affect among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's dementia: The effect of recreational activity

Abstract

The experience of positive emotions is an integral component of quality of life. Research suggests that cognitive deficits in persons with dementia may impede their ability to generate pleasurable moments and hence decrease their positive affect. Therefore, structured recreation activities may have the potential to significantly improve resident affect. However, differences in affect between ordinary time and recreation time are not well known. The present study used previously published structured-observation instruments to measure affect and behaviour among 35 dementia residents at two nursing homes in Japan during ordinary time and during recreation time. A total of 3,854 one-minute observations were coded. Dementia residents expressed happiness over seven times more often during recreation time than during ordinary time. Over 60% of ordinary time was solitary, with 65.72% of all observed affect being 'Null Affect'. A total of 43.75% of residents expressed happiness only during recreation time. In addition 48.9% of all behaviour during 'Ordinary Time' was coded as 'Null Behaviour', which indicated that the resident was sitting and doing nothing. Findings indicate that recreation time is significantly higher in positive affect than ordinary time and that virtually all residents benefited from recreation.

The influence of subliminal crosstalk in dementia narratives

“…These have included levels of engagement, activity and communication (see : Schreiner et al, 2005;Nolan et al, 1995;Bowie and Mountain, 1993;Gilloran et al, 1993;Hallbierg et al, 1990). Studies have also addressed the dynamics developing between carers and care home residents, and have shown a disparity between the socially-oriented interests of residents and the task-based agenda of the care staff (Bender and Cheston, 1997;Iwaisiw and Olson, 1995).…”

The carnival is not over

“…Ramanathan (1997) identified conversational partners, and the relationship between them, as an influential factor on the language formulations used by individuals with dementia. Studies have also explored the experience of institutionalised forms of care for older people with dementia (see Schreiner et al 2005;Nolan et al 1995;Bowie and Mountain 1993;Gilloran et al 1993;Hallberg et al 1990). These studies have mainly employed observational and ethnographic approaches and have focused on aspects of daily living, including levels of engagement, activity and communication.…”

Exercise for depression in care home residents: a randomised controlled trial with cost-effectiveness analysis (OPERA)

“…19 Multiple physical morbidities are expected in care home residents 20 and there is often a lack of social interaction among those living in nursing homes. 21 There is good evidence that both functional impairment and loneliness are risk factors for depression in care home residents. 22 In many cases depression is not recognised by the care home staff or by the resident's general practitioner [23][24][25] and, even if recognised, it is often not treated.…”

“…More attentive to residents more aware and able to recognise problems (16) Increased ability to recognise depression and to cope with residents who may have it (21) More confident to talk to colleagues about depression and to report cases observed (6) Encouraged activities; talking to residents (interacting) (7) Being more patient (2) Not a carer but training has helped me recognise low mood in residents (4) Recognising signs (17) Encouraging residents to join in (4) 'none, it is down to the manager' (1)…”