The Elderly with Dependency Health Care Model on Elderly Care Givers in Families in Phontong Health Network

Abstract

Purposes : To develop and evaluate the elderly with dependency health care model on Care Givers in Families in Phontong health network.

Study design : Action research was conducted.

Materials and Methods : 12 of elderlies with dependency, 12 of families caregivers, and 31 of health care workers were target groups. Data were collected using the Barthel activities of daily Living assessment scale Index: ADL Index), semi-structured interview, questions guideline for group discussions, practice guide for elderly with dependency and a questionnaire on suitability of the activities. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.

Main findings : 1) Problems and health care needs of the elderly with dependency found that problems in communication, decision-making and participated between the elderly and their caregivers/family including health personnel affecting the problem of controlling blood sugar levels, access to services, lack of social support and lack of family involvement. 2) The elderly with dependency health care model on elderly care givers in families consisted of 5 components: (1) assessment of health status and needs; (2) capacity building of the elderly and their caregivers; health care; (3) Family’s involvement in health care(4) improving access to health services, and (5) social support. 3) After development, caregivers with dependency had a statistically significantly higher mean score on health care knowledge than before development (p<.01) and those with dependency. They had a statistically significantly higher mean score on daily activities than before development (p=.026) and activities according to the family-dependent diabetes elderly health care model were appropriate. Activities according to the model Overall, it's at a high level.

Conclusion and recommendations : The results of this study those involved can be used to operate and define the format, caring for the elderly with dependency is included in the action plan of the relevant agencies.