Therapeutic drama activity for the cognitively impaired elderly in a nursing home.
The use of drama as a nightly activity for the cognitively impaired elderly patients at the Sakubara skilled nursing home commenced in 1989. Although it was started for the pleasure of the patients, and not for a therapeutic purpose, positive behavioral changes were observed. The therapeutic effects of the activity were measured and reported. Based on our 7-year experience and research, the definition, goals, structure, and conceptual framework of therapeutic drama activity were developed; the skills used in this activity and its cultural background are discussed. Finally, the philosophical background of the nursing home that promotes the therapeutic effects is presented.
Moriyama
M
M
Yamaguchi Women's University, Japan.
Sakurai
N
N
Kamata
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001519:Behavior; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004324:Drama; D006801:Humans; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D016896:Treatment Outcome