THE ENHANCEMENT OF FAMILY FUNCTION TO PROMOTE ACTIVE AGING IN ELDERLY PEOPLE THROUGH GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAM

Abstract

The objectives of this article were to develop a group counseling program to enhance family function in promoting active aging for elderly caregivers and to study the effectiveness of group counseling on enhancing family function in promoting active aging for elderly caregivers. A one-group pretest–posttest design was used in this research. The samples consisted of 30 family members who took care of the elderly at home in Nam Jo Municipality, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province. The samples were randomized using a specific method. The instruments consisted of the Family Functioning Scale to Promote Elderly Potential and the Group Counseling Program for Family Functioning in Enhancement of Elderly Potential. The statistics used in data analysis were mean and standard deviation. The results can be summarized as follows: 1) The group counseling program developed from a concept and techniques of Rational Emotive Behavior Theory. The researcher conducted group counseling. The counseling session consisted of eight times, namely 1.1) Establishing relationships and learning about mutual agreements. 1.2) The role of careers for the elderly. 1.3) Rational and irrational thinking. 1.4) Practicing rational thinking. 1.5) Increasing the performance of health responsibilities. 1.6) Strengthening the duty of participation in society.                   1.7) Strengthening the performance of life security duties. 1.8) Strengthening the performance of duties to strengthen morale. 2) After taking part in the group counseling, the elderly caregivers had family function score higher than before participating the program. At the follow-up, the caregivers of the elderly had family function score higher than before participating the program.