Improving Quality of Life for Older People in Long-Stay Care ...

For residents, what appeared to be important was that activities were structured tomeet their interests and capacities, and that they were integrated into the everydaylife of the facility. It was also important that activities were changed regularly. Thosewho did participate in activities often demonstrated personal interest in the activityand appeared to prefer activities which were structured into small groups of likemindedpeople. The success of activities appeared to hinge on two factors: firstly,that the residents’ interests were known and taken into account in the determiningof activities; secondly, that residents perceived that there were other residentswho had similar interests and capacities who also participated in that activity.It was important, therefore, that those organising activities knew the residents’interests and capacities. In some large facilities, when activities were providedby an activities department, it was less likely that residents were known well.Staff respondents also highlighted that activities were mostly for those residentswho were mobile enough to go to the day or activities room. Residents who werebedbound or who spent long periods in bed, therefore, rarely had the opportunityto participate in activities.11.6 Conclusions209This chapter presented findings related to activities and therapies within long-staycare. It was evident that there were widespread differences in the provision ofactivities across study sites. Some sites had an extensive range of activities whileothers provided little by way of activities. Some residents, therefore, had goodopportunities to pursue meaningful activities while others did not. It was evidentthat some residents’ days were long and boring. Consequently, these residentswere often frustrated and disengaged. Residents were most likely to participatein activities which were designed to take into account their own particular interests.The absence of occupational therapy and physiotherapy were highlighted asparticular concerns by both residents and staff.