Depression and Anxiety in the Elderly: Formulation and Development of Preventive Model through Community Participation

Abstract

The objective of this research was to formulate and develop a caregiving model for the elderly with depression and anxiety, using collaborative action research. The research was done in 6 provinces from 4 regions in Thailand (Northern, Central, Northeastern and Southern). There were three parties involved in the action research: (a) researchers from Srinakharinwirot University; (b) nurses and healthcare officers, Village Health Volunteers (VHV) or Eldercare Volunteers; and (c) in-home caregivers. From the study, the findings found that the development of caregiving model and mechanism for depression and anxiety prevention could be varied into 6 approaches according to the areas where the studies were conducted. Nevertheless, the formats and mechanisms often shared common characteristics in terms of the way they were operated or driven by an individual, group of individuals and agencies through different activities. They shared the same objective in providing proper mental health care for the senior citizens to continue leading a happy and comfortable life. In conclusion, each community has its own specific format of eldercare. Moreover, elderly care relies on strengthening collaborations and continuum.

Keywords: caregiving, senior citizens, prevention, depressive, community