Group Observation, Essay Example

The group name is self affirmation. The nature of the activity was to get hands-on experience and learn about how to interact with patient’s at a nursing home. The activity focused on a group exercise involving home management. The patients were to address barriers they face in their day-to-day activities. This included little exercises to help the group members gain a bit of independence in accomplishing their regular daily routines. The elderly have difficulty in performing some tasks along their day from putting on their clothes in the morning to getting their things ready for bed. There are a couple of activities or exercises that can help strengthen those who are handicapped and eventually these steps can lead them to their independence again. Some activities include pain reduction, healthy living and even rehabilitation from injuries. This activity in particular was designed to give the elderly group members who are limited in movement due to a wheelchair or walker more confidence in accomplishing their daily tasks.

One group member was assigned a simple role of handing out materials. The patient exhibited introvert-like tendencies where she would not make eye-contact. She did not respond very well to instructions given, and according to the charts, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight years old. This hindered her from performing tasks on her own as a regular child, and also slowed down her development. She had limited hand-eye coordination and was reluctant to start the task. Her cognitive psychological skills were at an early stage of development. Although, it is noted that she shows improvement in terms of grasping the activity and engaging in other tasks.

The group’s goals were to assist the elderly in developing their skills to achieve a hint of independence. The long term goals involve an increase of self-esteem and assist them in their individual needs.

The leader had great understanding of the needs of the elderly. He briefed them well, and got a good amount of their attention. Most were hard of hearing, but understood the leadership and authority the group leader posed. All members were kept safe and were able to participate in the activity without injuring themselves. His therapist approach was solution-focused where he liked to focused on the group members’ strengths, emphasizing a better tomorrow for them.  Proper lighting was used to ensure the safety of the low-vision elderly patients. These members were also hard of hearing, so the leader emphasized on hand gestures as well as keeping a firm tone to communicate with them. Participation was about 90% as all the group members were willing to participate. Although, the attention span of some were taken away after the first 15-20 minutes the activity commenced. Grading was done fairly and kept note of other diagnosis some group members have. The pace set was good for the age group intended and he spoke in a very firm but friendly tone.

The group closed the activity rather well, although it would have been better to make it more remarkable. It seemed as if most of the members were already tired and were not paying attention. Although, on the part of the leader, he handled it rather well.