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Examining the effects of modified recreational activities on the mental health of nursing home residents during covid-19
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society ; 69(SUPPL 1):S174, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1214908
ABSTRACT

Background:

Social isolation from COVID-19 has been shown to affect the mental health of all socioeconomic, ethnic and age groups. One of the most affected populations is long-term care (LTC) residents. This increased separation from their families and society has created an additive effect to their baseline physical and mental ailments. We investigated the change in depression and anxiety over time in residents of one LTC facility during this crisis.

Aim:

The aim of the intervention was to reduce the impact of social isolation by modifying recreational activities to include faceto-face visits, music therapy, and similar activities.

Methods:

Staff collected PHQ-9 and NPIQ (Neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire) scores of all residents in the facility before implementing modified activities. Between 8/10 and 10/3/2020 we had a modified event calendar. Following the 8-week intervention, PHQ-9 and NPIQ scores were re-recorded. All LTC residents were eligible. Short-term residents, hospice patients, and those who did not participate in the intervention were excluded from analysis. Our primary outcome was change in depression and anxiety. Our secondary outcomes were change in weight, ulcers, and falls (MDS quality metrics). We hypothesized there would be a positive change in PHQ9 and NPIQ scores over time. We analyzed our data using paired sample t-tests. Analyses were conducted using SPSS v. 26.

Results:

97 residents participated this intervention with an age range of 63-103 (mean = 86;SD 8). Participants' mean PHQ-9 scores improved significantly after participation in activities (9.1 vs 6.3) with a mean difference of 2.804 (CI 1.924-3.684, p<.001). Similarly, mean NPIQ scored showed a similar trend (18.74 vs 14.94) with a mean difference of 3.804 (CI 3.098-4.510, p <.001). There were no significant differences in falls, weight, or ulcers.

Conclusions:

This study highlights how COVID-19 has impacted LTC residents' mental health and suggests implementing modified recreational activities can improve the mental health of LTC residents. This is especially important as the pandemic, and associated restrictions, have lasted longer than anticipated. Therefore, LTC facilities should slowly and safely increase social interaction for residents whenever possible.

Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Year: 2021 Document Type: Article