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Therapeutic drama activity for the cognitively impaired elderly in a nursing home
M Moriyama1, N Sakurai, K Kamata
1Yamaguchi Women's University, Japan.
Abstract:
The use of drama as a nightly activity for the cognitively impaired elderly patients at the Sakubara skilled nursing home commenced in 1989. Although it was started for the pleasure of the patients, and not for a therapeutic purpose, positive behavioral changes were observed. The therapeutic effects of the activity were measured and reported. Based on our 7-year experience and research, the definition, goals, structure, and conceptual framework of therapeutic drama activity were developed; the skills used in this activity and its cultural background are discussed. Finally, the philosophical background of the nursing home that promotes the therapeutic effects is presented.