Objective: To describe our experience with a restorative program to improve loneliness and depression in older persons residing in a nursing home.
Design: Descriptive and prospective placebo controlled study to measure effect of restorative program to loneliness and depression.
Materials and Methods: Long term residents in a nursing home who are able to walk with assistance, with mild to moderate dementia (MMSE not less than 15/30), with loneliness or depression (Yesavage depression scale score of 5 to 15) who do NOT have end-stage condition, recent fractures were randomly assigned either to a restorative program or just a simple visit (no restorative program) and were observed for 2 months. Restorative program involves getting residents up, walk with assistance, every shift for at least 20 minutes.
Results: 50 patients were enrolled in this program. 25 received restorative program (R group) and 25 did not (NR group). Mean age for the R group was 82 +- 2 y (20 female and 5 male) and the NR group was 81 +- 3 yr (21 female and 4 male). Yesavage Geriatric depression scale score was 12/15 +- 2/15 and improved to 7 +- 2/15in the R group and did not change in the NR group (12 +1/15 to 11 +- 1/15) (p < 0.02). Weight also improved by an average of 9 +- 2 pounds in the R group and the NR group loss 3 +-2 pounds (p <0.01).
Conclusion: The short restorative program improved mood, relieved depression, and improved appetite as evidence with weight gain. The team also believed that this program has a positive impact to their relationship with residents, and the family of the residents noticed the improvement. Overall, quality of life improved, although we did not measure this aspect. This should be a universal program and perhaps further studies should look into decrease in falls and fractures and improvement of functions.
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