1. Impact of Family Involvement on Geriatric Depression in Residents Living in Long –Term Care Facilities

2. As the Baby-Boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) reaches retirement age, the population of senior adults is expected to increase in all fifty states. The Census Bureau projects that America’s aging population will double between 1995 and 2025. Literature suggests a direct correlation between family involvement and the life satisfaction and geriatric depression levels of residents in long-term care facilities. (Gaugler, 2003, p. 3)

3. Family Involvement “While much of the gerontological literature emphasizes the institutionalization of an older adult as an endpoint of family care, research has emerged illustrating the continued involvement of family members in the lives of residents.” (Gaugler, 2003, p. 3) As literature suggests a direct correlation between family involvement and the life satisfaction and geriatric depression level of residents in long-term care facilities, it is important to further understand this relationship. “While much of the gerontological literature emphasizes the institutionalization of an older adult as an endpoint of family care, research has emerged illustrating the continued involvement of family members in the lives of residents.” (Gaugler, 2003, p. 3) As literature suggests a direct correlation between family involvement and the life satisfaction and geriatric depression level of residents in long-term care facilities, it is important to further understand this relationship.

4. Family Involvement In order to review the life satisfaction of the elder population, it must first be understood what factors impact life satisfaction. This proves to be a challenge in itself due to the fact that “as people age they become more differentiated, rather than alike.” (Kelley-Gillespie, 2007, p.208) This makes it difficult to identify common elements that contribute to the overall life satisfaction of the elderly population and thus affecting their levels of geriatric depression. In order to review the life satisfaction of the elder population, it must first be understood what factors impact life satisfaction. This proves to be a challenge in itself due to the fact that “as people age they become more differentiated, rather than alike.” (Kelley-Gillespie, 2007, p.208) This makes it difficult to identify common elements that contribute to the overall life satisfaction of the elderly population and thus affecting their levels of geriatric depression.

5. Affecting Factors An article penned by Kelley-Gillespie (2007) outlines the factors that influence life satisfaction as defined by three different researchers. The first identified such attributes as “physical functioning and symptoms; emotional functioning and behavioral dysfunction; intellectual and cognitive functioning; social functioning and the existence of a supportive network…” (p. 208)

6. Affecting Factors The second found that life satisfaction can be measured by the following eleven domains: “sense of safety, security and order, physical comfort, enjoyment, meaningful activity, relationships, function competence, dignity, privacy, individuality, autonomy/choice and spiritual well-being.” (p.208)

7. Affecting Factors Cont. Finally, the third researcher identified the following characteristics: “freedom of choice, maximum control over one’s life, and involvement in decision making; recognition of individuality; right to privacy and fostering of human dignity; continuity with the past and continuation of normal social roles; stimulating environment; age-appropriate opportunities and activities; sense of connectedness between home, neighborhood, and community; and opportunities for enjoyment, fun, humor, and creativity.” (p. 209)

8. Continuum of Four Different Types of Family Roles” Seen in Long-Term Care Facilities 1) the disengaged family, 2) the consultant,3) the competitive family member, and the 4) collaborating family member. (2004) The disengaged family disappears after placement. The consultant communicates with the staff and is involved in care plans but does not “include the elder in the family system” any longer. The competitive family member competes with the facility to control how and when the care is given. Finally, the collaborating family member interacts and supports the staff, while being involved in developing care plans.

9. Clinical Depression among older adults is estimated to be between 18% to 40%. Statistics are as follows: Two to eight percent of older people with clinical depression live in the community. Ten percent live in primary healthcare settings. Fifteen percent live in acute care or nursing home settings (Bishop & Sweet, 2003).

10. Implications For Practice   SW should remember the importance of family involvement.   SW should remember that the older population will double between 1995 and 2025 and research possible ways to better support.   SW should encourage family visitation through structured activities.   SW should work in conjunction with other support systems.   SW should encourage residents to make their own decisions about the care they receive

11. Sources Cited Bishop, M. & Swett, E.A. (2003). Mental health and the aging population: Implications for rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 13-18. Chou, S. C., Duncan, P.B., & Lee, A. L. (2003). Factors influencing residents’ satisfaction in residential aged care. The Gerontological Society of America, 43(2), 459-472. Gaugler, J. E., Anderson, K. A., & Leach, C. R. (2003). Predictors of family involvement in residential long- term care. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 42(1), 3-26. Gaugler, J. E., Anderson, K. A., Zarit, S. H., & Pearlin, L. I. (2004). Family involvementin nursing homes: Effects on stress and well-being. Aging & Mental Health, 8(1), 65-75. Glass, T. A. Mendes de Leon, C. F., Bassuk, S. S., & Berkman, L. F. (2006) Social engagement and depressive symptoms in late life: Longitudinal findings. Journal of Aging and Health, 18(4), 604-628. Hamarat, E., Thompson, D., Steele, D., Matheny, K., & Simons, C. (2002). Age differences in coping resources and satisfaction with life among middle-aged, young-old, and oldest-old adults. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 163(3), 360-367. Hansen, S. S., Patterson, M. A., & Wilson, R. W. (1988). Family involvement on a dementia unit: The resident enrichment and activity program. The Gerontologist, 28(4), 508-510. Jervis, L. J. (2005). The missing family: Staff perspectives on and responses to familial noninvolvement in two diverse nursing homes. Journal of Aging Studies, 20(1), 55-66. Kelley-Gillespie, N., & Farley, O. W. (2007). The effect of housing on perceptions of quality of life of older adults participating in a Medicaid long-term care demonstration project. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 49(3), 205-228. Malench, S. S. (2004). Family and social work roles in the long-term care facility. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 43(1), 49-61.