The Effects of Group Work With Institutionalized Elderly Persons

DUYAN V., Şahin-Kara G., Camur Duyan G., ÖZDEMİR OCAKLI B., Megahead H. A.

Research on Social Work Practice, vol.27, no.3, pp.366-374, 2017 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/1049731516654572
  • Journal Name: Research on Social Work Practice
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.366-374
  • Keywords: aging, geriatric depression, nursing homes, psychosocial functioning, social work with groups
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Objectives: This research article aims to measure the effects of group therapy on institutionalized elderly in terms of reducing depression and improving psychosocial functioning. Methods: Thirty elderly nursing home residents were recruited, and 16 of them elected to receive group treatment for depression and 14 declined treatment. The Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects and the Geriatric Depression Scale were given to both groups when group work began and again when it ended. Results: Clients who received group treatment experienced reductions in depression and their psychosocial functioning improved. Conclusion: Group work intervention was followed by reductions in the depression levels and improvements in their psychosocial functions among institutionalized elderly clients.