Development of Mental Health Promotion Model for Aging Population at Risk by Community Health Care Team

Abstract

This critical action research, conducted in Nakhon Nayok and Chachoengsao between November 2016 and May 2017, aimed to develop a model of work for community health teams so they can do health promotion among elderly groups who are at risk for mental illness. Participants in the study included research partners, a group of people who took part in the development of the model of work to promote mental health in elderly groups at risk of mental illnesses in communities. This group consisted of government officials, nurses, public health officers, volunteers, families of the elders, elderly club members, and caregiving volunteers of elders who were at risk for mental health disease. Sample was 81 elders in the area, 48 people from Nakhon Nayok and 33 people from Chachoengsao, aged 60 and higher, all at risk for mental health problems. Purposive sampling was used. There were two phases: one before, and one during the study. In the first phase, before study, research tools were in-depth interview forms, and observation guidelines. Both tools were quality-checked by professionals. Data were collected by observations of participatory and non-participatory actions, and in-depth interviews. In the second phase, during the study, there were 2 cycles, each one being divided in 2 steps: forming a critical theory, and conducting the action research. Research tools were in-depth questions for dialogue, forms for storytelling, empowering stories, and observation guidelines. All tools were quality-checked by experts.  Data were collected by observations of participatory and non-participatory actions, brainstorming, and in-depth interviews. Data was then analyzed qualitatively and also quantitatively by using counts and percentages.  

This valid model of work to promote mental health in elderly groups in communities  who are at risk of mental illnesses, includes: 1) conversing with the elders,  active listening, and physical closeness, and touching,  2) frequent home visits and activities, 3) caring for elderly’s well-being and living situations, 4) private individual supporting, 5) moral supporting and responding to elderly’ s needs, 6) ability to be patient and adapt to be with elderly, 7) being a mediator capable of resolving any conflicts between caregivers and elders, and 8) giving suggestions about how to take care of elders.