REDUCING DEPRESSION AMONG

OLDER PEOPLE RECEIVING CARE 

An evidence-based approach

This pioneering research conducted a controlled trial of a straightforward method for reducing depression among older people living in care homes, where typically 40% of residents are depressed.

Intervention comprised 12 hours of training for care home staff, followed by two to three months when they worked individually with depressed residents to achieve modest life-improvements sought by the resident. Care staff were supervised by a trained mentor.

A control group of depressed fellow residents did not receive this extra help.

Findings

·        Depressed people who received the intervention showed pronounced improvements according to ratings of depression. The control group did not improve. This difference was highly significant statistically.

·        Interventions addressed a varied mix of social and health care goals.

·        The intervention helped very old people – many participants were aged over 85 years.

·        The intervention method could reduce depression for everyone except those with the most severe dementia.

·        Care staff were generally very positive about the intervention approach. Some wished it was included in care planning for all residents. 

Implications

Other services for older people could use the same approach to reduce depression – for instance home nursing and home care services or staff in sheltered housing, as well as residential care homes.

The results demonstrate scientifically how a holistic and person-centred approach to older people can produce valuable outcomes.

This intervention offers a practicable route towards major goals of the National Service Framework for Older People. It strongly affirms national policy values, such as person-centred care, and promoting well-being and choice.

Research conducted by:

North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust

City of York Council

University of York.

Research report:

K.J.Lyne, S.Moxon, I.Sinclair, P.Young, C.Kirk, & S.Ellison:

‘Analysis of a care planning intervention for reducing depression in older people in residential care’ Aging & Mental Health, July 2006

Research funded by:

National Health Service Executive under the Biomedical Health Services Research Programme,

Wyeth Laboratories

Sir Halley Stewart Trust

Purey Cust Trust

Jack Brunton Charitable Trust

Further information and resources

Click on above red link for articles, references and contact information concerning this research.