This paper illustrates the benefits of group therapy within the nursin
g home, and considers the enhancing and problematic factors in conduct
ing groups within this setting. Growth which empowers staff and reside
nts is possible and can be achieved despite significant challenges and
social change. A lifespan developmental perspective can assist reside
nts to achieve their maximum developmental maturity and group therapy
can be effective in accomplishing that goal. This paper discusses the
effect of the nursing home environment and staff on the resident the t
ask of the therapist in the nursing home, the value of group therapy,
therapeutic goals in group therapy, what precipitates the need for gro
up therapy in nursing homes, and the issue of group therapy with the c
ognitively impaired.