Current Events Groups in Long-Term Care: A Guide to Facilitating a Successful Group

Abstract

With an increasing older population and need for institutionalization care, the demand for group work in long-term care (LTC) is increasing. Group therapy can be utilized as a strength-based model, providing socialization and cognitive stimulation with the goal of increasing overall psychological well being for LTC residents. The present article provides a step-by-step outline for setting up and implementing a current events group with older adults in an LTC setting. Additional attention is given to the importance for outcome measures evaluating the impact of the group. A comprehensive list of geriatric-sensitive assessment instruments is presented.

Keywords:

• current events group
• group therapy
• long-term care (LTC)
• nursing home
• outcome assessment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tammi Vacha-Haase

Tammi Vacha-Haase is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Colorado State University.

Krystle B. Archibald

Krystle B. Archibald is Doctoral Students in the Counseling Psychology program at Colorado State University.

Natalie E. Brescian

Natalie E. Brescian is Doctoral Students in the Counseling Psychology program at Colorado State University.

Kate L. Martin

Kate L. Martin is now the Geropsychology Postdoctoral Fellow for the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, California.

Kathryn Fitzpatrick

Kathryn Fitzpatrick is now the Behavioral Health Postdoctoral Fellow for Community Health Connections, Massachusetts.