| The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the impact of an educational program on self-care promotion by nursing staff on the activities of daily living (ADLs) of the older person living in a nursing home. The theoretical basis for the study was Orem's self-care theory (2001).;The methodology for this quasi-experimental study utilized two groups (n = 74), a treatment group (n = 37) and a control (non-treatment) group (n = 37) within two participating nursing homes in Phoenix, Arizona. One facility was a nonprofit 120-bed continue of care facility and the second facility was a for-profit 160-bed skilled nursing and long-term care facility. Each facility identified two separate units that were designated either as a control unit or a treatment unit. A pretest and posttest data collection and analysis methodology was used to compare any changes in ADLs and the dependency of the participants. The outcome measurements of the two groups were accomplished by using the federally mandated Minimum Data Set 2.0 (M.D.S. 2.0) (Morris et al., 1990; Omnibus Budget [OBRA], 1987; OBRA, 1995). The scores from Section G of M.D.S. were used to compare the results after 6 months.;Based on data obtained from the M.D.S. 2.0 regarding the ADLs, participants in the treatment group (those cared for by staff who participated in the educational program) were overall less dependent with respect to physical functions than those in the control group (those cared for by staff who did not participate in the educational program). Data for individual items also indicated that the treatment group showed more independence in bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulation, and eating skills. Therefore, it can be concluded that the educational program emphasizing self-care on the ADLs lessened overall dependency. Further, a higher percentage of the control group showed dependency after the treatment period and kept deteriorating.;The significance of this study is that it can serve as a model program for long-term care designers in assisting institutionalized older persons to attain or maintain their independence thus fulfilling a significant portion of the federal government's demands identified in OBRA 1987. The additional benefits of the program can be linked to supporting an increase in the quality of life of the older person by maintaining or enhancing their ADLs. |
