Developing Family-Community Interactive program for the disabled older adults at home: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Increasing number of disabled older adults at home due to aging population and cultural factors.
• Growing care needs of disabled elderly individuals necessitate improved support systems.
• Limited research exists on the crucial interaction between family and community in home-based care for disabled older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the experiences and demands related to family-community interaction for disabled older adults.
• To develop an interaction program involving disabled older adults, families, and communities.
• To enhance the quality of life for disabled older adults through improved home care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with disabled older adults and their families in seven communities.
• Development of an interaction program based on qualitative findings and the Delphi expert consultation method.
• Intervention using the developed program with selected participants and subsequent evaluation via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The study aims to construct and evaluate an interaction program, but specific results are pending.
• Evidence suggests family-community cooperation benefits disabled older adults' home care.
• The program is designed to foster a positive and interactive home-based care environment.

Conclusions:

• Family and community collaboration is vital for effective home care of disabled older adults.
• The developed interaction program is expected to improve the quality of life for this population.
• Further research and implementation of such programs are needed to address the growing care needs.