Movement therapy with geriatric patients in a convalescent home

After several weeks of orientation with staff, the author, a registered dance therapist, established a movement therapy group for long-term geriatric patients in a convalescent home. The purpose was to promote socialization and expression of feelings, partly by recognizing even the most minimal participation in the group. Many patients were severely depressed and disoriented; most were in wheel chairs. Three months later a second group, functioning at a higher level, was formed. During the first six months, patients showed increases in verbalization and spontaneous expression of feelings, in interaction, and in assertiveness.