In-Service Topic: "Treating Depression by Activating Positive Behavior"

The Avila Institute of Gerontology offers the following in-service to keep caregivers informed about aging and behavior.  This in-service is based upon some recent startling research on depression. The study reported a technique called “activating positive behavior” for engaging residents with symptoms of depression. The most exciting finding was that it is done by direct caregivers and is as effective as, or more effective than, interventions done by psychiatrists and physicians. 

In this in-service, we will take a brief look at what depression is, with particular emphasis on depression in nursing home residents. We will see a variety of techniques that have been proven effective in reversing the symptoms of depression. Finally, and most importantly, we will show you a simple six-step process to activate positive behavior so you, the direct care staff, can also reverse resident syptoms of depression.

This ready-to-teach in-service kit includes everything you need to teach a 25-minute in-service:

• A recorded video of the in-service (internet access required)
• Lesson Plan (PDF), presentation slides, and script (Microsoft PowerPoint File)
• Presentation handout as slides and notes (PDF)
• 4-page summary of presentation (PDF)
• Pre-test (PDF)
• 4 post-tests with 5 questions each and answer key (PDF)
• Follow-up (PDF)
• Certificate Template (PDF)