The process of building community volunteers to care for the dependent elderly.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to build the volunteering to care the elderly dependents in the community and to assess the characteristics of community volunteers for the care of the dependent elderly which is a participatory action research. The sample group is consisted of 2 targeted groups by using a random sampling method which included 26 volunteers and 22 dependent elderly who are willing to participate in the project. The research found that the successes of volunteer development is includes the following process: 1)  Self-learning with the principles of Enneagram of Personality, 2) the process of enhancing volunteer spirit by using simulated situations combined with evaluation techniques from scenario-based situation, 3) The activity called ‘light up the candle’ for social assistance  is a process of encouraging the volunteers’ self-esteem and empathy to help others in need, 4) To provide knowledge about caring for elderly people with dependency and ability to build on this knowledge for other happy elderly.

Results of an assessment of the characteristics of community volunteers for the care of the dependent elderly was good level. Considering each side, it was found that community volunteers helped others with the highest grade. The evaluation of the characteristics of community volunteers from the field work of community volunteers to enhance the happiness and quality of life of the elderly from the observers was also at a good level. Considering each side, it was found that Community volunteers are the ones who develop the most.