Lesson learned from the capacity development for family caregivers of older adults with illnesses

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore lessons learned from the capacity development project for family caregivers of older adults who have acute and chronic illnesses lived in Wang Chomphu Municipality, Mueang District, Phetchabun. Thirty family caregivers of older adults and health promotion personnel who worked on older adults care at a community hospital were participated in the study.  The instrument used in this research was a focus group discussion guideline, developed in accordance with CIPP Model. The data was analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed four lessons learned from the project.  For the context aspect: this project responded to the needs of the family caregivers and the older adults. Inputs aspect: the project provided sufficient resources for entire program. The four-step training was appropriated including: family caregivers’ need assessment, training curriculum development, training implementations and evaluations, and lesson synthesis.  Process aspect: training course was implemented as planed. The stakeholders accepted the project and cooperated very well. The strength of the project was that practical activities were included in the training. Lastly, productivity aspect: the training course was rather comprehensive and could enhance confidence among family caregivers; however, health outcomes of older adults were not evaluated. Lesson synthesis obtained were four body of knowledge regarding older adults care: knowledge one, management process of family caregiver enhancement; knowledge two, a set of knowledge and techniques for caregiver education; knowledge three,  people group/network of older adults care; and knowledge four: continuous learning of family caregivers of older adults care.