title: Impact of a specific program focusing on the psychological autonomy and actualization of potential of residents in a long term care unit.
abstract: In 1996, the Sherbrooke Geriatric University Institute introduced a specific health and services program focusing on actualization of potential and psychological autonomy designed for long term care clients presenting few or no cognitive deficits. Some 30 residents who met specific criteria were moved to the same unit. To determine the impact of this specific program on the residents, a study was done using a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The residents in the experimental and control groups were evaluated three times: at the beginning of the program (1996), 1 year (1997) and 2 years (1998) later. The main variables measured were: actualization of potential, psychological autonomy, psychological well-being, satisfaction with care and services, social relations, and perception of the freedom allowed by the institution in regard to their choices and decisions. The results indicate that the new program had no effect on the residents' psychological autonomy, actualization of potential and social relations. In addition, the residents in the experimental group indicated less well-being and less satisfaction than those in the control group. Despite these negative elements, the experimental residents like being and want to stay together on the same unit but seem somewhat concerned about the program objectives. These results led the research team to propose that the program objectives and activities be reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche en Gérontologie et Gériatrie, 1036 Belvédère Sud, Québec, J1H 4C4, Sherbrooke, Canada
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Desrosiers
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gosselin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leclerc
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gaulin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trottier