Avian companionship in alleviation of depression, loneliness, and low morale of older adults in skilled rehabilitation units.
To assess effects of a companion bird on the depression, morale, and loneliness of 40 older adults in a skilled rehabilitation unit, self-reported measures of depression, loneliness, and morale were completed on admission and 10 days later. With the presence of a companion bird the experimental group (n = 20) showed a significant decrease in depression but none in morale or loneliness from the control group (n = 20) who were without a bird. Use of a companion bird may lessen negative effects of change of residence for older adults.
Jessen
J
J
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-5330, USA.
Cardiello
F
F
Baun
M M
MM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D003863:Depression / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D009013:Morale; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome