Case Report on Group Activities to Reduce Loneliness of Residents in Geriatric Health Services Facilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In geriatric health services facilities (GHSFs), the rehabilitation occupations mainly shoulder the role of maintaining and improving function, but inpatients in GHSFs often have psychological problems such as depression and loneliness. Especially, loneliness is related to reduction in body function and activities of daily living, and it can become a factor which inhibits residents from returning home. In this case report, we assessed changes in loneliness as a result of engagement in group activities in a geriatric facility and evaluated the quality of the engagement in the activities provided.CASE: The patient was an 80-year-old woman of with left lower extremity paralysis caused by cardiogenic cerebral embolism. Group activity was carried out 2 times a week for 4 weeks in addition to the usual rehabilitation sessions 3 times a week. The reminiscence method was carried out in the first half of the group activity, and it was changed to work activity at the patient's request in the latter half. Loneliness was assessed before and after group activities; the Activity Engagement Scale was used during the activity, and the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TIL) was used immediately after the activity.RESULTS: Although loneliness before and after group activities remained unchanged, TIL improved immediately after the activities. The engagement to activity improved over time, and the patient's desired work activity showed a tendency to more improve.CONCLUSION: Group activities in GHSFs may prevent worsening of or reduce loneliness immediately after implementation.