Nursing Home Residents with Severe Cognitive Impairments: Predictors of Participation in Activity Groups

Authors

  • Judith E. Voelkl
  • Andrzej T. Galecki
  • Brant E. Fries

Keywords:

Older Adults, Cognitive Impairment, Resident Characteristics, Nursing Homes, Activity Programs

Abstract

Much concern has been voiced over the provision of activity services to older adults with dementia who reside in nursing homes (Weaverdyck, 1991a, 1991b; Zgola, 1987). Previous research examining the predictors of residents' time in activities found that in a sample of 3008 nursing home residents, those with severe cognitive impairments spent significantly less time in activities than other residents (Voelkl, Fries, & Galecki, 1995). In order to understand better the predictors of activity participation among residents with cognitive loss, data from the Health Care Financing Administration's Multistate Nursing Home Cstse-Mix and Quality Demonstration Project were analyzed. Among 1210 nursing home residents with severe cognitive impairments, measures of resource use, location preferences, sense of involvement in the facility, and type of nursing home unit predicted whether or not a resident participated in activity services. Implications for service delivery and future research are discussed.

Published

1996-01-24

Issue

Section

Research Papers