Dependency in the Institutional Setting: A Behavioral Training Program for Geriatric Staff

Abstract

A serious side effect of institutionalization of elderiy residents of long-term care facilities is dependency on staff, manifested by a reduction in functional competence. In the present study, the functional dependency of targeted HRF residents was reduced and independence increased by training staff in the principles of behavior analysis with a focus on cognitive and attitudinal restructuring. Results were discussed in terms of the role of situational factors in maintaining independent functioning among institutionalized older persons.