Clinical

Improving meaningful activity and engagement for residents in long-term care settings

Why you should read this article:

To enhance your awareness of the need to adopt a whole-health approach in long-term care settings

To reflect on the benefits of meaningful activity and meaningful engagement for care home residents

To read about the My Home Life initiative, which aims to promote quality of life in long-term care settings

 

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, restrictions were placed on social contacts and group activities in long-term care settings. Evidence has suggested that social isolation can lead to the onset of health issues including depression and cognitive decline in older people. This article details a quality improvement project undertaken by the managers of nine long-term care settings in Northern Ireland that aimed to enhance meaningful activity and meaningful engagement for residents following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The findings suggest that improving meaningful activity and meaningful engagement can benefit residents in terms of nutrition and hydration, sleep patterns, use of medicines and number of falls.

Jobs