Promoting Well-Being through Engagement in Occupations for Older Adults with Memory Loss: The Well-Being Project
Graduation Date
2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Janis Davis, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Older adults with memory loss have a decline in functional ability, which may have an impact on their quality of life and health promoting behaviors. Lack of engagement in daily activities may contribute to impaired functioning, decreased quality of life, social engagement, and participation in the community. The purpose of this thesis project was to help older adults with memory loss maintain healthy lives at Aegis Living of San Rafael, a retirement community that offers apartments and assisted living services for individuals with Alzheimer's and memory care. Anticipated outcomes for the project were to promote health and well-being to improve quality of life.
METHODOLOGY: This project was designed to provide a series of six. 45-minute activity sessions revolving around four important topics about health promotion: physical well-being. mental well-being, social well-being, and the importance of engagement of meaningful occupations.
RESULTS: The participants stated the project was meaningful because involvement in the project gave participants a sense of belonging and allowed them to interact with members of their community. Findings from 1 he Well-Being Project revealed that older adults with memory loss had the ability to engage in health promoting activities. The findings may be used as a source of inspiration for occupational therapists who choose to promote health and well-being as part of their practice.
CONCLUSION: Future implementations include training staff members, caregivers, family, and friends on the key concepts of the activity sessions and involving them during the activities. Occupational therapists may implement this project for older adults with memory loss in various settings, or adapt it to help various populations.