The feasibility of home care workers delivering an intervention to decrease depression among home-dwelling, older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Home Healthcare

Background:

• Depression in frail older women is linked to poor functioning and increased mortality risk.
• This demographic often experiences inadequate or no treatment for depression.
• Existing treatments may not be accessible or suitable for home-dwelling elderly individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic life review as an intervention for depression in frail older women.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of training home care workers (HCWs) to deliver this intervention.
• To explore the experiences of HCWs implementing therapeutic life review.

Main Methods:

• Therapeutic life review, based on Erikson's developmental stages, was delivered by HCWs.
• HCWs received three hours of training on the intervention.
• Nine HCWs participated in focus groups after implementing the intervention with clients.

Main Results:

• HCWs reported enhanced moods among their frail older clients who received therapeutic life review.
• The intervention was perceived as cost-effective by the HCWs.
• Qualitative data from focus groups indicated positive client responses.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic life review, delivered by trained HCWs, is a viable and cost-effective method to improve mood in home-dwelling frail older women with depression.
• This approach addresses a gap in mental health treatment for this population.
• Further research could explore broader implementation and long-term outcomes.