Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Community Grant Application To Support People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Jessica Montomery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In upcoming years, the population of older adults with dementia is expected to rise exponentially, with the expectation that the majority of these individuals will choose to age in place with increased caregiver support (AARP, 2011; National Alliance for Caregiving, 2009; Vincent & Velkoff, 2010). Without adequate education to prepare for the caregiving role, education, instruction, and support, informal caregivers are at an increased risk for caregiving burden, stress, and mortality rates (Morimoto, Schreiner, & Asano, 2003; Schulz & Beach, 1999; Thinnes & Padilla, 2011). The goal for this scholarly project was to create a home and community-based program for …

Weight Management For The Elderly Population Who Have Sustained A Lower Limb Amputation: Resource Manuals For Clinicians, Lauren Battles, Maia Sobolik

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is becoming more common for individuals to sustain a lower limb amputation, thus impacting their ability to participate in functional tasks of daily living such as ambulation, balance, dressing, driving, and toileting. Approximately two million people within the United States are living with an amputation, most commonly in the lower extremity (Amputation Coalition, 2013). According to Resnik and Borgia (2011), by the year 2050, the number of lower limb amputations will increase significantly due to the aging population who encounter a variety of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dysvascular, and/or heart diseases. Weight management is …

A Guide To Seasonal Migration: Increasing Snowbirds' Longevity, Stephanie Haselkamp, Jenny Styles

Occupational Therapy Capstones

With the demographic shift of the aging population within the United States, and the push for preventative healthcare measures, occupational therapy (OT) practitioners need to adjust the way they are delivering their services to best meet this growing population's needs. Falls prevention is a method for occupational therapists to get involved in preventative care. The need for preventing falls is further supported by the concept of aging-in-place. Aging-in-place is popular amongst the older population, as older adults often wish to remain in their homes and natural contexts for as long as possible. Homes can come in many different forms; and …

Bringing Occupation To Long-Term-Care Setting, Danielle Shepers, Stephanie Blonigen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As a person enters a long-term-care (LTC) facility, they lose their home, independence, possessions and routine (O'Sullivanm, 2004). Adopting a meaningful occupational or social role may improve psychological well-being in elders (Keung Yuen, Huang, Burik, & Smith, 2008). There is a need for resources to support the use of occupations as treatment modalities in LTC setting. The purpose of this scholarly project is to address this need.

A literature review was conducted using AOTA, AJOT, OT Practice, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and PubMed on topics relating to the populations served in LTC, and types of OT intervention used in LTC. Issues concerning …

Resource Manual For Occupational Therapists: Providing Transportation Related Resources To The Elderly Living In Poverty In North Dakota, Amanda Ralston, Lukas Wavra

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Between the ages of 65 and 74, 9% of elderly individuals live in poverty in the United States (Forum, 2010). This poverty rate increases to 11% in elderly individuals who are 75 years of age or older (Forum, 2010). In rural areas, the effects of poverty may be even more pronounced than in urban areas secondary to the societal limitations that exist within some small rural communities; rural areas in North Dakota routinely face both the effects of poverty and the societal limitations. These limitations may include a lack of public transportation or services available to the general public. Due …

A Lifetime Of Work: A Guide To Health Promotion And Wellness On The Farm, Andrea Hensrud, Gregory Holubok

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide to health promotion, wellness and adapting to life changes on the farm from an occupational therapy perspective to enhance quality of life for aging farmers and rural community dwellers. The authors completed a focused literature review on topics related to health promotion, wellness, adapting to life changes, making changes and aging in place. Data was collected through an extensive study of relevant information through professional journals, clinical text books, class discussion and related state and national associations. Upon completion of the review of literature, it was determined that older adults …

Misuse Of Prescription Medication In The Elderly Population And The Impact It Has On Their Functional Occupations, Amber Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of Occupational Therapists' primary responsibilities is to assist clientele at becoming as independent as possible. In order to be successfully independent an individual needs to be able to perform ADLs and IADLs (functional occupations) and have a basic understanding of problematic issues that may affect their abilities to perform these functional occupations. Misusing prescription medication is one way is which functional occupations can be negatively impacted. Specifically, prescription medication misuse is one of the primary issues that may impact elderly individuals' abilities to function independently. Even though this is an issue that needs to be addressed, research into the …

Improving Community Participation Of The Inactive Elderly: Preferred Learning Style-Based Interventions, Catherine Bailey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists believe social engagement is vital to the health and well-being of the older adult. Social isolation has been linked to loss of physical, cognitive and emotional health. Elders at risk of social isolation are not specifically addressed by community health programs due to lack of knowledge and resources. Social isolation and loss of meaningful activity are significant precursors to rapid decline in the health and well-being of elderly people living in their communities.

Literature indicates that use of personal learning style preferences to problem solve improves success in occupation. Older adults often lack awareness of their personal learning …

Easing The Transition Into Long Term Care: An Occupation Based Approach, Sarah Boroos, Janel Ludenia

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present methods to help ease the transition process for older adults into a long term care (LTC) facility using a meaningful occupation based approach. An estimated .9% of the community dwelling individuals versus 72% of long term care residents exhibit some form of depression (Harris & Haffer, 2003; Harris, 2007). Consequently residents experience decrease functional status and decreased quality of life. A comprehensive literature review of adults' transitioning into LTC facilities was conducted using PubMed, Ebsco, Psychlnfo, Scopus, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, textbooks, and the internet. The literature supp0l1s the need for …

An Occupational Therapy Program To Help Community Dwelling Seniors Age In Place, Amy Lundberg, Kayla Novacek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: It is estimated that by 2030, one in five people in the United States will be 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 2008). An aging in place initiative has come to the forefront of health care to help seniors cope with the age related challenges, allowing seniors to experience productive aging in their own homes. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an occupation based aging in place wellness program for community dwelling elderly.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify the current challenges associated with aging. In addition, the literature review identified strengths and limitations …

Elderly In Prison: A Programming Protocol, Chelsey Hunt, Sarah Janke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The current U.S. correctional system is structured for the young, well, able-bodied prisoner and does not take into consideration the extensive needs of elderly inmates. The number of elderly inmate has been steadily increasing and is going to continue to rise with the increase of age expectancy of the average American and changes in in sentencing policies that increase the length of stay in prisons (Potter, Cashin, Chenoweth, Jeon, 2007; The Sentencing Project, 2005). Currently elderly inmates make up 12% of the federal prison population (Mauer, King, Young, 2004, p. 24).

An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the …

The Adl Of Sexuality: A Guide For Occupational Therapists For Elderly Clients, Autumn Edmundson, Amber Lafrenz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a guide that would address the assessments, treatment/interventions, and discharge planning process regarding sexual health/sexuality with an elderly client. Through the use of the guide and accompanying resources it is assumed that occupational therapists will have an increased level of comfort, knowledge, and competence. This is important as Couloumbis and Miller (1994) study indicated that occupational therapists that received formal education (academically or clinical practice) addressed sexuality in the elderly 27.8% more than occupational therapists who did not have any educational experience.

Methodology: An in depth literature review was conducted …

Evidence-Based Intervention For Sleep Disturbance In Healthy Elderly Individuals, Sarah Gregory, Heather Hoffman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Elderly individuals have a predisposition to experiencing sleep disorder, yet many remain untreated. Consequences of untreated sleep disturbance may result in decreased cognitive functioning, lowered perceived quality of life, and loss of independence. A literature review describes the definition of sleep, consequences of sleep disorder, sleep disturbance in the elderly population, intervention efficacy, principles of gerogogy, and the role of occupational therapy in sleep intervention.

The scholarly project presents a manual designed for use with well-elderly populations and intended to be guided and/or distributed by occupational therapists. The manual is entitled “Take Control of Your Sleep: An Occupational Therapy Manual …

Differentiating Dementia From Mental Illness In The Elderly: An Occupational Therapy Process, Michelle Halsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this product is to provide those persons admitted to a hospital setting with an unclear diagnosis the opportunity to be efficiently and accurately diagnosed, thus allowing proper treatment, medications, and placement, if needed. Often, . there is confusion amongst professionals in the treatment team as to whether an older adult may have a developing dementia versus symptoms of a mental illness. Through the evaluation process, individuals will engage in a balance of evaluative activities that may improve physical, social, emotional, spiritual, occupational, and cognitive focus areas. These evaluations are primarily based on Allen's Cognitive Model and The …

Falls Prevention Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Brittanie Field, Krista Radi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a multidisciplinary falls prevention program manual intended to be implemented in Senior Citizen Centers (SCC) for the community-dwelling older adult population. Falls have a major impact on the independence of the older adult population aged 65 years and older (Stevens & Sogolow, 2008). Therefore, the goal of this project is to promote healthy aging in place through the use of meaningful occupations in order to potentially reduce the number of falls among the older adults.

A literature review was conducted to obtain scientific reading and research to find what has and …

Home Modifications For The Elderly, Jennifer Samuelson, Kristyn Kurpius

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and present methods to increase a person’s ability to participate in occupations within their home. “Almost 50 million Americans - about one in five - live with a mental or physical disability, many of their homes are inconvenient, restrictive, or dangerous for them,” (McCullagh, 2006, p.54). As a result they are unable to participate in safe and functional occupations.

Methods: A literature review was conducted with the use of Pub Med, AJOT, textbooks, home modification handbooks, and the internet. The literature review determined the need for home modifications with the elderly …

An Occupational Therapy Intervention Program Addressing The Needs Of Older Adults As They Transition To New Living Situations, Judith M. Sokol

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As individuals age and approach retirement, face life changes (loss of spouse or significant others), or health changes, they often make the decision to relocate. Responses may vary; but frequently stress, depression, and anxiety are experienced to the level that they impede a healthy adjustment. This can lead to diminished self-care, difficulty engaging in meaningful occupation, and isolation. Older adults may experience a poor sense of personal mastery within their new environment, contributing to feelings of low self esteem, sadness, grief secondary to loss, anger, and loneliness.

The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the pre-relocation needs and …

Occupational Therapy Driving Protocol For The Elderly Population, Terra Nelson, Courtney Marrs

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Environmental Modifications For Persons With Disability, Jacob R. Bryan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Christa M. Stelmachuk

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males) and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participants' preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning, and were found to be at low risk for falls. Age of subjects ranged from 72 to 94 years, with a mean age of 85.67.

The …

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Sara Welder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. If proven effective, line dancing can be added to the options available to physical therapists for balance and coordination training.

A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males), and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participant's preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning , and were found to be …

The Effect Of TʻAi Chi Chih On Balance In The Elderly, Justin Berry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Loss of balance and falls among the elderly is a large health care problem, annually causing thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in health care costs. This study investigates whether T'ai Chi Chih can influence balance in the elderly. T' ai Chi Chih is a gentle form of exercise that originated as a martial art.

Fifteen subjects (T'ai Chi Chih, n = 9; control, n = 6) initially underwent two standard functional balance measures (Berg and Tinetti measures), were tested for eyes open single leg stance, and had their blood pressure taken. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a …

A Comparison Study Of Depression In The Elderly: Traveling South Versus Staying In The Midwest For The Winter, Sandra M. Zieffler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depression is the primary mental health disorder in the elderly (people 65 years old and older). As the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States, an increasing number of elders will be affected by this illness. The purpose of this study was to compare depression in the elderly between those who stay in the Midwest (Minnesota or North Dakota) year-round and those who travel south for all or part of the winter. A four-page self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 227 people thought to be at least 65 years old. The questionnaire consisted of background …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Elderly Population: A Literature Review, Angela M. Thoreson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of those 65 years old or older has increased dramatically over the past several decades and will continue to grow well into the 21 st Century. This change in U.S. demography has also led to an increased interest in geriatric medicine and the implications physical activity has on the social, medical, and economical aspects of treating this patient population.

Research has shown that people who participate regularly in aerobic activity have lower mortality and morbidity rates, even if an exercise program is started later in life. Moderate exercise has been proven to be an important part of treatment …

Environmental Illumination In Relation To Balance Performance In Healthy Community-Dwelling Elders, Laura Habermann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects low levels of lighting have on balance in healthy, community dwelling elders. The balance of 14 volunteer subjects (13 females and 1 male) who are older than 65, who live in · the community and who are generally healthy was tested. Each subject's balance was tested in both optimal and poor lighting conditions using the functional reach balance assessment tool. Subjects were given two practice trials and were then instructed to reach three times in each condition while the researcher measured the amount of light in the room and the …

Lower Extremity Strength Training To Decrease Falls In The Elderly, Kelly L. Spadolini

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

p>As the elderly population grows, the health care needs of people over the age of sixty-five will dominate the medical profession. Methods of prevention of health problems are key to providing the optimal medical care. Falling has been reported as the most prevalent means of injury in older people. One third of all seniors living in the community and one half of those residing in nursing homes fall each year. Research indicates that elderly people who fall have weaker lower extremity strength than elderly people who do not fall. As a result, some clinicians have incorporated strengthening regiments into …

Polypharmacy And Physical Therapy In The Geriatric Population, Cathy A. Reuer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are seeing more and more elderly individuals with acute, chronic, or multiple disease conditions. Many of these conditions are treated with medications. It is common for the geriatric patient to be taking multiple medications. Polypharmacy is a relevant concern for physical therapists as adverse effects are often revealed in the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. These manifestations can cause adverse effects in evaluation, treatment, and outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to discuss the common non-prescription and prescription medications consumed by the elderly, describe the biologic and physiologic changes that occur with age and how these changes …

Balance Exercise For Fall Prevention In The Elderly, Lorrina Mcclellan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Falls are a very common and serious problem in the elderly population. Individuals who fall may suffer from physical trauma, psychological problems, and possible death. In the past, falls were thought to be an unavoidable occurrence that accompanied aging. Research has .recently identified risk factors that may predict those who are at risk for falling. By recognizing and then modifying these risk factors, potential falls may be prevented. Examples of risk factors that occur with aging include visual impairments, vestibular decline, deterioration of muscle strength, decrease in joint flexibility, and the loss of sensation. Natural biological declines may have profound …

Physical Therapy Interventions For Falls In The Elderly, Melanie Benson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The elderly in America represent a population that is continually growing. As part of the aging process, various changes occur that contribute to falls. Therefore, as the number of elderly people in America increases, the possibility of falls in the elderly also increases.

The consequences of falls in the elderly are significant. Some of the more serious consequences include functional decline, increased medical cost, and death. Therefore, the scope of the problem is clear; strategies to prevent falls and treat those who have fallen are indicated.

The purpose of this independent study is to review the literature pertaining to falls …

Guidelines And Benefits For Exercising The Elderly, Nita Farbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of elderly individuals is continually growing due to advancements in medicine and technology. Several physiological and psychological changes occur throughout the aging process. Regular physical activity is an effective therapy for slowing the aging process and preventing many of the conditions that occur with aging, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the active individual is more independent and functional in his or her activities of daily living compared to the person who remains sedentary. Older individuals who maintain functional levels of flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance are rarely candidates for nursing …