["Geri-Aktiv"--the activation of nursing home residents]. / "Geri-Aktiv"--die Aktivierung von Pflegeheimbewohnern.

Although being active is a central element of successful aging, we know little about activities which elderly people carry out in institutional environments. The first study's aim was to describe the importance of activation for the residents (n=255) and their nurses (n=171) using quantitative methods. To immerse into the subject we carried out qualitative interviews (n=61) to ascertain how an activation according to the needs of old people can be reached. With the background of activation and motivation theories and first results, a model was developed focusing on need-oriented activation. Considering the impairments in old age, offers for individual activation and attendance can be derived from this model.

[Activities offered in nursing homes--a study of usage and satisfaction]. / Aktivierungsangebote in Pflegeheimen. Eine Studie zur Inanspruchnahme und Zufriedenheit.

The following survey aims to ascertain the range of activities offered by different nursing homes, the extent to which residents use these activities as well as the satisfaction of residents and nursing staff concerning these activities. Focus is put on activating activities and activities of residents' own initiative. The analysis, which is based on 255 residents and 171 nursing staff from 11 nursing homes, shows a clear distinction between the various homes as to their ranges of activities. Activation in the home's everyday life is mainly done following the "watering-can principle", which means that it does not take into consideration the residents' individualities. The study provides clear evidence that the possibility to actively participate in the home's everyday life or to follow one's own interests makes residents feel highly satisfied. The fact that some residents as well as those nursing them place more importance on activities than others shows that the attitude towards aging is still characterized by the deficit model.