title: Libraries of life: using life history books with depressed care home residents.
abstract: Depression is a common, and often undetected, psychiatric disorder in geriatric care home residents. Reminiscence, an independent nursing therapy used by a variety of health and social care professionals, can prevent or reduce depression. This practice development project explored the use of reminiscence life history books as an interpersonal therapeutic tool with 3 depressed care-home residents living in residential care and skilled nursing facilities. The process of choosing to produce a book, assessment of capabilities, and methods of construction are described using 3 illustrative case studies. Three themes emerged: reviewing the past, accepting the present, and dreaming of an alternative future. This project demonstrated that life history books, tailored to individual needs and abilities, can facilitate reminiscence and reduce depression by increasing social interaction. The benefits to residents, their families, and care staff are discussed and the relevance to nursing practice highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Brunel University, West London, England.
authors.forename: Nicola Ann
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Plastow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001877:Books; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support