A time-budget interview of caregivers regarding 116 highly impaired elder relatives living in
their homes revealed a relatively low level of variety in activities, social context, and environment
context. A large proportion of the elders' time was spent in passive activities such as rest (34%),
viewing television and listening to radio (21 %), and receiving assistancefrom a caregiver (17%).
Family and professionals could potentially enhance quality of life through better use of television,
diversionary activities, social stimulation, and environmental variety. In-home workers and
family caregivers could be trained to provide such enriching services.
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