ABSTRACT
In this theoretical/review article, we set forth a conceptual model and empirical evidence as the foundation for a behavioral intervention in nursing homes involving pleasant events. The risk for depression is nearly twice as great among nursing home residents as it is for community-residing elders, with up to 50% of nursing home residents affected by significant depressive symptoms. Although we now have a good understanding of the epidemiology and manifestations of depression in late life, and are beginning to apply effective treatments to some groups of elders, the benefits of the past decade of research have yet to reach the frailest elders living in nursing homes. The health and cognitive multiple comorbidity of this population makes treatment extremely 126challenging. The behavioral model we describe is based on the work of Lewinsohn and others. The intervention would adapt work already completed by Teri and her colleagues with elderly dementia patients and their families. We make specific recommendations concerning adapting this treatment approach to nursing homes, and evaluating its effects. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <getinfo@haworthpressinc.com> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://www.HaworthPress.com> © 2002 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
