Nursing Home Depression & Quality Care The purpose of this study was to examin

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect quality care has on nursing home depression. To this end, the study examined for a correlation between perceived quality of care and nursing home depression in a sample of 60 nursing home patients. Specifically, a Pearson r correlation statistic was computed for patients' scores on the Zung Depression Scale and the Quality of Care Questionnaire. Findings of the study were not significant indicating no systematic relationships between subjects' depression scores and their quality of care scores. Results are discussed in terms of existing literature and methodological concerns. Recommendations are formulated for future studies examining the quality of care and depression variables.

Review of the Literature: Effect Quality Care Has On Nursing

The study of depression is of major interest to psychologists and others in the service professions. In this regard, substantial research has been carried out on nursing home depression, its causes, management, and treatment.

One area of the existing research has aimed at defining depression as well as delineating its etiology and symptomatology. Regarding definitional work, Carter (1984) has defined depression as a "state of feeling sad." Specifically, Carter notes that the term refers to a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulties with concentration and thinking and feelings of dejection. Commonl

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lative is getting good care. Similar patterns emerge with liability concerns in that such concerns dictate the same sort of behavior on the part of the staff. For example, the home will often consider it "safer" in terms of their liability if a resident who can walk with a cane uses a wheelchair instead. Regarding depression of nursing home patients, Davison & Neale (1982) report that: We know that depression is the most prevalent psychological disorder of older people, especially of those in nursing homes. The type of psychoactive drug prescribed, however, is more likely to be a tranquilizer than an antidepressant; a less agitated, relatively inactive patient is easier to handle. Psychological interventions are virtually unheard of, for the staff either is untrained in their implementation or operates under the widely held assumption that such therapy is inappropriate for an old person. (p.549) Langer (1981) reports that quality care for nursing home patients involves increasing patients' sense of control over their lives. Her conclusion is based on a study she conducted of nursing home residents. One group of residents were given a variety of decisions to make about their circumstances; in addition, they were given pl

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