Maintaining Quality of Life for Post-Acute Care Patients Through Stimulating Activites

Abstract

The overall goal of this study is to discover what factors improve the overall quality of life and happiness for post-acute care patients, and to use the results to help patients at Citadel implement these factors in their daily lives. After volunteering at Citadel for several months, the author noticed that many patients were unsatisfied and was inspired to determine if participation in stimulating activities allowed patients to have a better quality of life. The initial hypothesis was that physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and interactive socialization improve the quality of life for Citadel patients. This is a correlational research study with a survey-based methodology presented in an interview format. Citadel patients were asked a series of IRB approved questions regarding their daily activities and overall happiness. The data was then analyzed to identify correlations and patterns highlighting the relationship between participation in stimulating activities and quality of life. The value of this study lies in further improving the quality of life for post-acute care patients and implementing activities for patients in post-acute facilities to boost patients’ morale. There are also no previous studies conducted about this specific topic (relating activities to quality of life in a post-acute care setting), as validated by the Arizona State University research librarians, so it brings a new aspect to the healthcare research community. This research can be used by future patients going into post-acute care to determine how they can have the best experience while receiving care.