Group Reminiscence Therapy: Improving Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Assisted-Living

Abstract

Older adults living in residential facilities are at greater risk for decreased quality of life and increased depressive symptoms compared to their community-dwelling counterparts. Research has shown that psychotherapies, such as group reminiscence therapy, can have a positive effect on these domains. This capstone project used survey methods to analyze and assess quality of life and depression in older adults residing in an assisted-living facility before and after participation in a six-week structured group reminiscence therapy program. There were seven people who completed a pre- and post-survey to assess self-reported quality of life and depression preceding and following participation in the group program. Data was analyzed using a paired-samples t-test. There were statistically significant differences in both quality of life and depressive symptoms after participating in a biweekly group program over a period of six weeks. The capstone student developed a group reminiscence therapy binder and provided education to the therapy staff surrounding the use of group reminiscence therapy, how to plan and implement the program, and the results of the project to promote sustainability at the capstone site. The results support the importance placed upon addressing quality of life and depression in residential-living older adults, and emphasize the use of group reminiscence therapy on improving these domains.