The effect of social group work with elderly people in nursing homes on the mental health of the elderly

Old age is a period encompassing physical, psychological, social, and cultural changes. During old age, individuals undergo numerous physical, psychological, and social changes. The most significant of these changes occurs in the psychological realm. Elderly individuals may face challenges such as loneliness, loss of spouses and friends, and adapting to physical changes, which in turn impact their psychological well-being. Therefore, psychosocial interventions for the elderly are crucial for improving their psychological well-being. In this context, this study conducted a group study with elderly individuals living in a nursing home and examined the effects of this group study on their depression and psychological well-being. To achieve this objective, a group-focused social work intervention was conducted with elderly individuals. The group study lasted two days a week for a total of 10 sessions. The "Geriatric Depression Scale" and the "Psychological Well-Being Scale for the Elderly" were used before and after the group study. At the end of the group work, when the pre-test and post-test scale scores were evaluated using SPSS, a significant difference was found, and group work reduced depression and improved psychological well-being in older adults. Furthermore, an evaluation of the feedback provided by members also indicated that group work had a depression-reducing effect. Similarly to this study, expanding group-based psychosocial interventions to support the psychological well-being of older adults would contribute to their well-being.