A needs and readiness assessment of assisted living facilities to address depression among elderly clients

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the availability of mental health caregivers working within assisted living facilities for the elderly. The goal is to establish a link between theory and care facility practice. This study also explores the hypothesis that personal care workers (PCWs) have the most contact with residents as compared to all other assisted living staff. Therefore, PCWs would be the most logical candidate to observe the early warning signs of depression. Furthermore, this study describes to what extent assisted living directors are interested in training and requiring PCWs to conduct a brief assessment to help detect and report the early warning signs of depression among clients. In addition, this study investigates how receptive PCWs are to being trained and conducting brief assessments of clients to help determine if they are exhibiting any signs of depression. Data were gathered by telephone and/or by face-to-face structured interviews with directors of elderly assisted living facilities. This investigation is a census of all such facilities within the tri-county area (Dunn, Chippewa, and Eau Claire). Findings will be utilized to design and direct future interventions aimed at training personal care workers to detect and report assisted living clients who are exhibiting signs of depression. In addition, findings will be utilized to promote further research.