Author

Venieca Kusek

ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0003-4984-9016

Graduation Semester and Year

2020

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Kathy Lee

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this research was to pilot Feathered Friends, a multi-sensory based bird intervention program and examine perceived benefits of the program among older adults at an assisted living facility. Feathered Friends adapted from Bird tales was a program for engaging people with cognitive impairments through the natural world of birds. The intervention was intended to increase social participation in a learning environment while reaping the emotional benefits of exposure to nature, specifically birds. Methods: This was an exploratory research project. We conducted individual, in-person interviews with the participants and analyzed data using a thematic analysis to discover perceived benefits by identifying codes and themes. In addition, findings from the interviews were complemented with observation notes. Findings: Three themes emerged for perceived benefits of the Feathered Friends program from the interviews with the participants: (1) positive memories, (2) meaningfulness of birds, and (3) social stimulation and interaction. Additionally, three themes surfaced from observation notes. These themes complemented the perceived benefits of the program achieved by the participants: (1) positive behavioral change, (2) positive mood, and (3) active participation. Discussion: Older adults who reside in assisted living facilities benefit from social interaction and programs tailored to meet their needs. Using nature in program interventions has shown to enhanced health and well-being of the participants. The program, Feathered Friends adapted from Bird Tales has potential connect institutionalized older adults, particularly older adults with cognitive impairments to the world of social interaction and nature. Keywords: Older Adults; Assisted Living; Intervention, Programs; Activity, Social Isolation

Keywords

Older adults, Assisted living, Intervention, Programs, Activites, Social Isolation

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

29400-2.zip (635 kB)

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.