Observations of activity levels and social interaction in a residential care setting

Abstract

Immobility, inactivity and the lack of social interaction are associated with poor physical and mental health. The main aim of this study was to examine the type and frequency of activities and social interactions with took place in a care home for older people. Residents within the communal area of a care home were observed over a period of 16 hours at 10-minute intervals by two psychologists. Residents' positions, activities and interactions were recorded. The majority of observations (97%) found residents sitting and not engaged in activity (60.7%). Only 10.7% of observations involved social interaction of residents either with each other or with a carer. The results demonstrate a very low level of daily activity and interaction in the care home setting. The risks of immobility and inactivity related complications such as pressure sores, muscle weakness, depression and anxiety are high.

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Occupation-Based Occupational Therapy Using the Aid for Decision Making in Occupation Choice (ADOC) for Older Residents: Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…An observational study conducted in a care home for older people that recorded activity in 10-minute intervals over a 16-hour period found that the residents spent most of their time sitting (97% of observations) and not engaged in activity (60.7% of observations); social interaction between residents or with a caregiver occurred infrequently (10.7% of observations) [5]. Therefore, care-home residents spend the majority of their time inactive, with low levels of interaction with staff [5,6] and are dependent on staff to engage in daily occupations [6].…”

“…Therefore, care-home residents spend the majority of their time inactive, with low levels of interaction with staff [5,6] and are dependent on staff to engage in daily occupations [6]. …”

Effects of Physical Exercises and Verbal Stimulation on the Functional Efficiency and Use of Free Time in an Older Population under Institutional Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Observational studies suggest that 97% of daytime is spent sedentarily by residents of nursing homes, e.g., sitting and watching TV with low levels of interaction with each other and with medical staff [38]. A lack of engagement with PA has a detrimental effect on physical and mental health, quality of life and social isolation [39].…”

An exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial of group exercise on mobility and depression in care home residents

“…An observational study from Oxfordshire found that residents, including those capable of independent ambulation, spent the majority of their time sitting doing nothing. 5 Prolonged insufficient physical activity can induce muscle atrophy, incontinence, 6 pressure sores, 7 depression 8 and psychological distress. 9 There is clearly a need to keep long-term care home residents as active as possible.…”