October 2022 by Jessica Bruman -Roger ian Theory
WHAT IS IT?
Person centered theory (also known as Rogerian Theory) was developed by a psychologist named Carol Rogers in the 1940’s. It is a very popular form of psychotherapy used today where the therapist works together with a client, using a nondirective, empathetic approach that motivates the client.
How is it utilized in Senior Centers?
Aging brings certain difficulties that defy older adults’ life as they age. The growth of the older population has emphasized the need for how to look at how we help manage stress and coping mechanisms in older adults to establish successful aging. In the past, there has been a big focus on negative outcomes (morbidity, mortality, disability, etc.). Today, there is evidence to show that positive self-perceptions and focusing on self-esteem, wellbeing, and focusing on activity and engagement have helped to improve quality of life of aging individuals. A person-centered approach looks at the individual. It focuses on the potential for positive change and with seniors, this means looking at these individuals as creative and social beings. It also means focusing on emotional needs and care preferences that will help them best in their lifestyle. This type of care takes a social model approach versus a medical model (focusing more on relationships versus just physical health). This means looking at what programs that not only benefit seniors in a physical way but also benefit them in an emotional and social way.
More People aged 60 to 100 are alive today than ever before in history.
Senior centers are beneficial because they look at what will benefit seniors in a way that will embrace choice and autonomy.
CASE STUDY
Study:
Researchers evaluated the evidence for an impact of person-centered interventions on aged-care residents and nursing staff
Research:
several articles were screened looking at person-centered intervention; they found centers to have significant improvements in residents’ boredom and helplessness. They also found that it improved job satisfaction and nurse’s abilities to meet individual needs in a positive way
CORE CHARACTERSTICS OF PERSON CENTERED THERAPY
- Respecting the person
- Providing individualized care while being in tune with changes that need to be made
- Understanding the perspective of the individual
- Providing opportunities for social engagement and well-being
Senior Centers often look at what will benefit client’s most when figuring out what programs to implement for their citizens. Needs assessments are conducted to figure out what type of programs are needed/wanted in the community
“A person cannot teach another person directly; a person can only facilitate another’s learning” -Carl R. Rogers
REFERENCES
Brownie, S., & Nancarrow, S. (2013, January 3). Effects of person-centered care on residents and staff in aged-care facilities: A systematic review. Clinical interventions in aging. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3540911/
Building bridges: Person-centered therapy with older adults – researchgate. (2012). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sofia VonHumboldt/publication/319315622_Building_bridges_Personcentered_therapy_with_older_adults/links/59a80be9a6fdcc2e1bdf77ed/Building-bridgesPerson-centered-therapy-with-older-adults.pdf
Person centered care in nursing homes and Assisted Living. (2017, July). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.alz.org/media/greatermissouri/Person_Centered_Care.pdf
Team, G. T. E. (n.d.). Person-centered therapy (Rogerian therapy). Person–Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learnabout-therapy/types/person-centered
