The Effectiveness of Enhancing the Potential of Caregivers in Managing Health Care for the Dependent Older Adults

Doungnetre  Thummakul; Renu  Kwanyuen; Orranuch  Chusri; Natrapee  Jaingam

Authors

Doungnetre Thummakul Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University
Renu Kwanyuen Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University
Orranuch Chusri Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University
Natrapee Jaingam Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University

Keywords:

caregivers, health care management, the dependent older adults

Abstract

Introduction: In aging society, caring for older adults can pose significant burdens for caregivers yet may also have negative effects on caregivers’ lifestyles. Supportive training for caregivers of the dependent older adults is needed to augment care management ability and strengthen family and community.

Research objectives: To increase the capacity of caregivers in managing health care of the dependent older adults, and to develop a curriculum for training program of caregivers of the dependent older adults.

Research methodology: The study used a quasi - experimental design. Participants were 60 community-dwelling caregivers of older adults and village health volunteers in Ban Long Tong Subdistrict, Song Phi Nong District, Suphanburi Province, Thailand. Data were collected between January to August 2022. Tools included training course for caregivers of older adults, knowledge test questionnaires, and course evaluation form. Content validity of the instruments were validated by three experts, indicating an overall good Content Validity Index (CVI) (1.00, .67-1.00, and .67-1.00). Cronbach Alpha coefficient were .69, and .98. Data analysis were performed using descriptive statistics, and paired t-test.

Results: Results indicated that most the participants (89.30%) were village health volunteers, and being female (88.50%). Nearly half of them (44.20%) had age ranged between 60 to 69 years. At follow up, mean of knowledge score was significantly higher than at baseline (p< .05, t = 6.64). The overall of course evaluation was at a good level (M= 4.18, SD.=.72). For each aspect of course evaluation, participants reported good scores for course context fits (M=4.06, SD.= .63), preliminary factors (M=4.17, SD.= .52), process (M=4.19, SD.= .57), and satisfaction on suitability (M=4.11, SD.= .56). Furthermore, the curriculum output was at a very good level (M= 4.20, SD.= .54). Therefore, capacity building of caregivers to care for the dependent older adults in this training course would be feasible.

Conclusions: In this training course, capacity building of caregivers of dependent older adults, especially knowledge improvement, is feasible.

Implication: Nursing personnel should provide the training course annually to build capacity among village health volunteers and caregivers.

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