A Case Study Of Reminiscence Therapy In Improving Depression In Elderly People Living Alone

Currently,China is facing a growing challenge of an aging population,with an increasing number of elderly people living alone.This demographic trend has raised concerns about the psychological well-being of the elderly.When elderly individuals gradually withdraw from social engagement and reduce their participation in group activities,they are more likely to experience a lack of communication opportunities with the outside world,leading to feelings of isolation,anxiety,and depression.The absence of children’s care amplifies the likelihood of loneliness among the elderly,especially when they live alone without basic support,further intensifying their depressive emotions.Moreover,widowhood is another significant factor contributing to depression among older adults.The loss of a spouse can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental state,manifesting as a persistent low mood,a perpetually gloomy expression,disinterest in communication,and a constant sense of sadness.In recent years,the government has shown an increasing recognition of the significance of mental health among the elderly.Corresponding policies have highlighted the importance of providing psychological care services delivered by professional social workers to address this issue.Therefore,it is crucial for us to actively align ourselves with national policies,apply our professional theoretical knowledge,and employ scientific assistance methods to deliver individualized case services to elderly people living alone.Using a case study approach within the realm of social work,this article investigates the potential effectiveness of individual case social work services and reminiscence therapy in ameliorating depressive emotions in an elderly people living alone in Xida Street Community,Dingyuan County,Chuzhou City.We employ a range of research methods,including scales,interviews,observations,and case studies,to analyze the root causes of the individual’s depressive emotions.Based on the client’s specific circumstances and needs,we design and organize seven distinct reminiscence therapy activities.These activities serve as a guide for the client to revisit positive and meaningful events from their past,facilitating the integration of positive emotions into their present life.Through this process,the client is able to affirm their self-worth,regain confidence in life,and concurrently alleviate the depressive emotions associated with later stages of life,ultimately enhancing their overall elderly life experience.Finally,through process evaluation and outcome assessment,it is observed that the client’s depressive emotions have shown improvement after receiving these services,highlighting the positive effects of reminiscence therapy in mitigating depression among the elderly people living alone.This approach warrants further research and exploration by social workers to expand its applicability.Through a retrospective analysis of the entire service process,we initially recognize that reminiscence therapy is a suitable approach for elderly individuals due to their inherent fondness for reminiscing.Moreover,it is evident that elderly people living alone encounter a significant lack of opportunities for social interaction.In the practical implementation of reminiscence therapy,social workers engage in extensive communication with the clients while guiding them through revisiting past memories.As a result,reminiscence therapy effectively addresses the limited social interaction experienced by elderly people living alone.Additionally,we highlight the value of employing individual case social work as a service model,as it provides a more compassionate and personalized approach to caring for the elderly,effectively improving their depressive emotions.However,the analysis also reveals a notable deficiency in meeting the social support needs of the elderly.Consequently,it is imperative to further explore and contemplate comprehensive strategies for meeting the diverse needs of the elderly,ultimately enhancing the quality of their later years’ lives.