This study confirms that depression is highly prevalent in nursing homes. In addition, this study reveals incongruency between depression rates and recognition rates of depression in the nursing home environment.

The purpose of this randomized control trial (RCT) was to investigate the effects of a story-sharing intervention on older adults transitioning to long-term care (LTC). The specific aims were (1) to determine the effects of story sharing on the health transition outcomes of depression and well-being of adults transitioning to LTC; and (2) to determine if the sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, level of education (LOE), months living at LTC facility, choice to move, and health problem(s) that may have resulted in the move) predict depression and/or well-being. Story sharing was defined as the respectful space where one tells and listens to stories of others (Heliker, 2009) while being guided by another (the investigator). Meleis’ middlerange theory of transitions (MMRTT) (Meleis et al., 2000) was used as a guide to understand the transitioning process. A convenience sampling design was used to recruit 100 participants from 11 LTC facilities in Broward County, located in Southeast Florida. The sample included adults, age 65 years and older, who were transitioning to a LTC facility within the past two years. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 52), who received standard care, or to the intervention group (n = 41), who received story-sharing and standard care. The results indicated there was no significant greater improvement to suggest an Intervention and Time effect for depression and/or well-being. Overall, predictive ability of the sociodemographic variables for depression and well-being were not statistically significant. However, LOE (junior college) did account for a significant portion of unique variance for increased depression, and time, marital status, ethnicity, LOE, and choice to move did account for a significant proportion of unique variance for well-being. Months living in LTC (more months) and marital status (all but divorced) were significant for improved well-being while ethnicity (Hispanic), LOE (high school and junior college), and choice to move (no choice) were significant for reduced well-being. Similar studies using a larger sample size, including non-English speaking participants; lengthier storysharing sessions; and measuring for pain, health, and bereavement may offer additional insights to healthy transition outcomes for this population. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection