The Group therapy session is usually closed, and an individual is allowed in, only when a new group is formed. Usually, we have 8-10 participants whose seats are in a circle like positioning. The sessions begin with introductions by members and updates on how they are progressing. We have activities and exercises that are planned for members to participate in.
The group is at the transition stage. Group members are resistant and defensive while some are reluctant in sharing their feelings. The key challenges with working with the elderly revolve around their cognitive and physical activities (Tarugu et al., 2019). Wheelchairs should be able to access meeting points with ease, and where they need transportation, they should be availed. To keep older adults hydrated, frequent breaks, more regular than those of young individuals are needed. Moreover, the kind of materials and activities used considers their cognitive and physical abilities (Suardana et al., 2018). While engaging with the elderly, psychoeducational approach is the best. It provides a serene, non-threatening and comfortable environment while providing practical strategies and factual information.
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There are key strategies that can be employed to improve group therapy effectiveness. In the compilation of the right group; to avoid dropouts and adverse outcomes, it is essential to assess the risk factor of each member. This can be done through group readiness questionnaires. The expectation should be set up-front (Novotney, 2019). It gives room for alignment to what the patients expect with a reality check. Building cohesion among members by finding commonalities enhances bonding and reduces tension. The most crucial aspect of ensuring effective group therapy is to address any issue raised or amongst members of the group in a prompt and precise manner.
References
Novotney, A. (2019). Keys to great group therapy. American Psychological Association, 50 (4),66. Retrieved 30 April 2020, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/04/group-therapy
Suardana, I. W., Yusuf, A., & Purnomo, W. (2018). Self-help group therapy: The enhancement of self-care ability and quality of life among the elderly in Bali, Indonesia. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 9 (11), 1757-1761.
Tarugu, J., Pavithra, R., Vinothchandar, S., Basu, A., Chaudhuri, S., & John, K. R. (2019). Effectiveness of structured group reminiscence therapy in decreasing the feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety among inmates of a residential home for the elderly in Chittoor district . International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 6 (2), 847. Retrieved 30 April 2020, from https://scholar.google.com/scholar?as_ylo=2016&q=elderly+group+therapy&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5#d=gs_qabs&u=%23p%3DjKOmqA6VkHUJ
