When it came time in class to choose an area in the community to work with during the course of our senior project our initial idea was to work with the elderly. We both felt very passionate about this population. We shared a common feeling that the elderly were being pushed aside and almost forgotten about. Glennda had previous experience working with the elderly at a job she once held, while there she developed a tender report and empathy for the elderly. She knew she wanted to interact with this population, who seem to somehow always be forgotten about. I on the other hand was raised with both my grandmother and great grandmother within my family circle. They both helped to shape my life. So I knew that the elderly was the population I wanted to interact with for my community project.

We have both seen the effects that an older person develops when placed in a care home at the end of life. Many older adults struggle with the changes in surroundings, and their gradual loss of independence. Many have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and or Dementia and when this occurs they are often placed in the care of others either in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living or a residential care home. Once placed the senior often begins to suffer from depression, a result that can occur because of the changes and losses that are occurring all at once. In most cases the elderly person receives very little interaction with anyone who does not work at the facility they now reside in. Family interaction is not always apparent and is often limited.

We wanted to develop a program where seniors could interact with people who volunteer their time. We went and visited two different styles of elderly care facilities within our community. One was an assisted care facility that had an activities director; the other was a residential care facility that had very little interaction with others who were not employees or family members. We choose to create a volunteer program for the Residential Care Facility. We wanted relationships to develop between the volunteers and the seniors that would make a difference for not only the senior but the volunteer as well. Our group of volunteers donates their time to a six-bed residential care facility once a week for approximately one to four hours.

Statement of Need

In today's society, a great deal of the elderly is spending the remainder of their life alone in skilled nursing facilities or residential care homes. A placement such as this has the tendency to create a tremendous feeling of loss, in turn possibly causing depression. It was reported that twenty-two percent of 220 out of 374 well elderly, people who are living in their own homes with or without a spouse and have the ability to interact with others, were confirmed to have major depression. (Dorfman and Lubben, 1995). Huffman (1999) reports, "One in six elderly patients in medical practice and even more in nursing homes and hospitals are affected by depression." Imagine if these statistics are coming from the "well" elderly population what the statistics might be reporting from the "non-well" population. This alone shows the need for volunteers to be in residential care facilities and skilled nursing homes. By spending time with our elderly population in these homes we may be able to alleviate some of the depression that may occur. 

Description of the Intervention

Most people believe depression in old age is something to be expected; however this is not true. According to Ahmed and Takeshita (1996/98) "It is not a normal reaction to the aging process, but rather a treatable psychiatric disorder." They go on to say if depression is left untreated it may lead to serious dysfunction, disability, increased psychiatric and medical morbidity, and increased risk of premature death, including suicide. Therefore, we decided to form a volunteer group, who volunteers once a week. The length of time depends on the set activities for the day and the demeanor of the residents.

Minni and I spoke with the owner of two residential care facilities and were granted permission to come in and volunteer with the residents. In the beginning we started out with one hour once a week just communication with the residents. We felt this would allow the residents to become familiar with us and to create a trust. As time went on we began doing activities with the group such as dancing, reading the paper, and crafts. By keeping the residents motivated and interested we hope to help decrease the sense of loss and depression.

Evaluation of the Intervention

In doing our activities the residents are alert, talkative, and very interactive with one another as well as the volunteer group. We have been attending this volunteer group for approximately three to four months and have acquired a great rapport with the residents. Also, we have obtained the praise and great appreciation from the facility owner. The caretakers in the home also show their appreciation and need for volunteers. I believe our presence has not only helped the residents but the caretaker as well. She, on several occasions, has expressed her relief for us to be in the home. It seems as though we have alleviated the extra stress and tension she may be experiencing. 

Reflections on the Project

I would like to conclude by saying we feel as though we have initiated a wonderful volunteer group, we have made a difference in at least five people's lives. We as a society need to ponder topics of this sort, because all of us have parents that may be going through this or who may be placed out side the home. When looking for a residential care home for your mother or father wouldn't you like to know that someone is coming in once or twice a week to visit. I know if I ever need to contemplate a decision such as this I would definitely be asking is there a volunteer group. Just because they are in a home with others and a caregiver they may not be getting the interaction needed. A caregiver is very busy and does not always have time to talk, and read the paper, or do crafts with the residents. Caregivers are busy making sure the residents get their basic needs met, there is often not time to give extra time or attend to the residents as a group or individuals. This is one of the main reasons volunteer involvement within care facilities is so very needed.

References

Dorfman, Rachelle A.; Lubben, James E. (1995). Screening for Depression Among a Well Elderly Population. Social Work.

Huffman, Grace Brooke. (05/01/99). Preventing Recurrence of Depression in the Elderly. American Family Physician.

Ahmed, Iqbal, &Takeshita, Junji. (1996/97). Late-Life Depression. Generations.

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