[An Experience Applying Life Review and Resilience to a Geriatric Patient With Functional Limitations and Depression]

Negative self-values and attitudes during the process of adapting to disease tend to engender depression in the elderly. This case study describes a nursing experience with an elderly patient with depression related to a decline in activity and family role changes related to unexpected spinal infection. The nursing care in this study was provided between February 28th and April 25th, 2017. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was employed, with results showing that the patient was affected by negative self-identity and attitudes. The geriatric depression scale showed moderate depression. Life review strategy was employed in the interview to impart a positive influence on a different life stage and a resilience model was used to interpret the interview transcript. The protective factors were identified and used to develop an individualized nursing intervention that included promoting the support of the husband in order to enhance positive attitude, promoting interactions with the grandchildren in order to increase feelings of independence. Finally, the patient became cognizant of family support and expressed positive words and self-values, which improved depression symptoms. This case report provides a valuable nursing care experience as a reference for similar cases in the future.