Using Groups to Improve Quality of Life Among Residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities
Andrea Belcoe
COTA/L
Danielle Everheart
COTA/L
Amanda Henscheid
OTD, OTR/L
Course Length: 2.0 contact hours (.2 AOTA CEU)
PRIMARY Presentation Category: Geriatrics
SECONDARY Presentation Category: Psychosocial Functioning
Intended Audience: Introductory
Short Abstract:
This presentation will use the example of an OT team at a skilled nursing facility in Idaho to describe the impact of using groups in occupational therapy practice. This presentation will include examples from the OT team to show how the programming was developed and implemented, as well as the outcomes of using groups within this setting.
Full Abstract:
This presentation will use the example of an OT team at a skilled nursing facility in Idaho to describe the impact of using groups in occupational therapy practice. The presenters will review the purpose of groups and why they determined that groups would help meet the needs of their clients. Presenters will also describe how to plan for successful groups, regulatory requirements an OTP must follow when implementing groups, and how to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to implement successful groups. Finally, participants will be invited to reflect on how they can implement groups within their own practice settings to address the needs of their clients, particularly psychosocial needs.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose of groups within occupational therapy practice
2. Describe how to plan for successful occupation-based groups
3. Identify regulatory requirements an OTP must follow when implementing groups
4. Explain how to collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to implement successful groups
5. List an idea for a group they can implement in their own practice to address the needs of their clients
Educational Value:
This presentation will provide OTPs working within residential settings (SNFs and ALFs) information about how to implement groups to improve the quality of life of their clients. This presentation will include examples from a facility that has incorporated group programming to address the needs of their residents, allow participants to ask questions of the OT team from this facility, and provide participants a chance to reflect on how they can incorporate groups to meet the needs of their own clients.
Andrea Belcoe, COTA/L
Company Affiliated With: Ensign
Financial Disclosure: Employee of Ensign
Danielle Everheart, COTA/L
Company Affiliated With: Ensign; Employee of Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation; Idaho State University
Financial Disclosure: Employee of Ensign
Amanda Henscheid, OTD, OTR/L
Company Affiliated With: Idaho State University
Financial Disclosure: No financial payout made for this presentation
Non-Financial Disclosure e.g. Member of; or, No Non-Financial Disclosures: Both presenters are faculty members of ISU
Andrea Belcoe
Andrea graduated from Brown Mackie College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2017. Andrea’s interest in occupational therapy began with her involvement as a volunteer for Fort Boise Community Center’s adapted recreation program, AdVenture, and the annual Idaho Youth Wheelchair Sports Camp held in conjunction with the Idaho Elks Rehab. Andrea has found fulfillment working with a wonderful therapy and nursing team at Meadow View Nursing and Rehabilitation; a skilled nursing and long term care facility located in Nampa, ID. Being a part of a passionate team has inspired her to become an advocate for her profession and those we serve. Andrea lives on a “hobby farm” raising baby goats with her husband and 3 sons.
Danielle Everheart
I have always had a passion for helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. This led me to pursue a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) ten years ago. I have gained extensive experience working with both pediatric and geriatric populations, which has allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set.
Growing up in a small town in Idaho, I developed a love for the outdoors and spending time with loved ones. These values have stayed with me throughout my career, and I strive to make a positive impact on my patients’ lives every day.
I am dedicated to staying up to date on the latest techniques and technologies in occupational therapy to provide the best care possible. Witnessing the positive impact that occupational therapy can have on individuals has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to be a part of this process.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring new places with my family and friends. Overall, I am a compassionate and hardworking individual who is passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world.
Amanda Henscheid
Amanda Henscheid, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Idaho State University on the Meridian campus. Prior to joining the ISU faculty in August 2021, Amanda practiced in skilled nursing facilities for 11 years. Amanda is passionate about the scholarship of teaching and learning, teaching students to use theory to guide practice, interventions to support academic success among college students with disabilities, dementia, and building meaningful and occupation-based programming for long-term residents of skilled nursing facilities.