UNAIR NEWS – According to World Health Organization (WHO), elderly population is expected to increase until 2020. It will not be a problem if the elderly are healthy, active and productive. But on the other hand, it will bring a negative impact if they have health problems causing disability, decreasing income, or lack of social and environmental support to the elderly population.
To deal with the problem, three Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Faculty of Nursing (FKp) students, Ririn Arianta, Dinda Dhia Aldin, and Purwestri Dyah Kinanti took the initiative to raise public awareness on the importance of family support to dementia sufferers. The three students took part in Student Creativity Program in Community Service (PKMM) entitled “DESA SEMEN” (Cadre for Health Dementia Awareness) in Yungyang Village, Modo Sub-district, Lamongan Regency.
“The series of DESA SEMEN programs started with the composition of Dementia module as a guideline for teams and cadres. Furthermore, the dissemination of dementia and the formation of DESA SEMEN cadres consisted of elderly cadres and elderly families, as well as training for screening, reminiscence therapy and art therapy and finally the implementation of cadre practices and exercise activities with the elderly, “explained Ririn.
The selection of Yungyang village as a place of implementation was based on its large number of elderly people with dementia, the lack of the family support, and the absence of a cadre role in dealing with dementia problems in the area. “Moreover, dissemination and provision of daily activity boards (ADL) and family support checklist were also given for evaluation and monitoring of DESA SEMEN program implementation at family level,” said Dinda, a member of PKMM team.
Through the program, there will be better awareness on the importance of family support for the elderly in dementia. The life quality of the elderly with dementia will be improved and the village will be pioneer for village that concerns with health of the elderly, especially dementia. (*)
Author: Ubaidillah Mughni
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
