Effects of Activities of Daily Living Training on Independence and Satisfaction of Older Adults Residents of Nursing Homes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Many older adults living in nursing homes are dependent on activities of daily living (ADL), which causes them dissatisfaction. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ADL training on the independence and satisfaction of older adult residents in a nursing home. Methods: In this study, 80 ambulatory and cognitively healthy older adult residents in a nursing home were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups in equal proportions. The intervention group received group-based ADL training consisting of eight weekly 90-minute sessions. Both groups were evaluated using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurement. Results: Between-group comparison showed a significant difference in terms of MBI, Canadian occupational performance measure-performance (COPM-P), and Canadian occupational performance measure-satisfaction (COPM-S) at post-intervention, respectively (P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.35; P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.19; and P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.38). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of MBI, COPM-P, and COPM-S at follow-up, respectively (P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.42; P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.20; and P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.43). Conclusions: Policy-makers are advised to support ADL training programs to enhance the performance and satisfaction of the elderly and help implement these programs in nursing homes.