[Prevention of addiction and violence in residential care facilities : Evaluation of a complementary group program with socio-artistic and mentally oriented approaches for older people].

BACKGROUND

Addiction and violence issues in residential care facilities pose significant health risks for residents. Addiction and violence are often closely linked. Preventive and health-promoting approaches offer potential for effectively addressing both problems.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the "Prävention Kreativ!" (Creative prevention!) project was to promote the health of older people in residential care facilities using an innovative approach to addiction and violence prevention. To this end, complementary socio-artistic and mentally oriented group activities were developed, tested and their effectiveness examined.

METHODS

The article presents the results of the accompanying evaluation in four nursing homes. The study is based on a mixed methods design with participant observation, (partially) standardized surveys, interviews and focus groups.

RESULTS

The results show positive effects in several prevention-related dimensions, most pronounced in the dimensions of well-being and group feeling/togetherness, followed by the dimensions of mental activity and physical activity. The programs developed promote resilience as an overarching goal of addiction and violence prevention.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that mentally oriented and socio-artistic programs have complementary effects and together strengthen protective factors against addiction and violence. The results underscore the relevance of resource-oriented prevention approaches that holistically promote emotional stability, social belonging and cognitive and physical activation.