Abstract
Dementia is a major issue that affects the quality of life of older adults, highlighting the
need for supportive systems and communities that enable them to live with dignity. This study
aimed to develop a dementia-friendly community model for older adults in the Eastern
Economic Corridor (EEC) area. The sample consisted of: (1) older adults with dementia, (2)
caregivers, (3) community leaders, (4) representatives from relevant organizations, and (5)
members of the general public, selected through simple random sampling.
The research was conducted in three phases: Phase 1 involved studying the situation,
problems, needs, and relevant information related to dementia-friendly communities; Phase 2
focused on developing a dementia-friendly community model for older adults in the EEC area;
and Phase 3 involved implementing and testing the developed model. Data were analyzed using
content analysis, descriptive statistics, and t-tests.
The findings revealed that the dementia-friendly community model for older adults in
the EEC area comprised seven core components: (1) appropriate physical environmental design
for older adults with dementia; (2) integrated health and care service systems for older adults
with dementia; (3) acceptance of and respect for older adults with dementia; (4) social
environment design; (5) policy, management, and participation; (6) caregiver support; and (7)
technology and innovation.
The results of the model implementation showed that the mean quality-of-life scores of
older adults with dementia who received the model were higher after the intervention than
before, and higher than those of the group that did not receive the model. The mean satisfaction
scores of caregivers, representatives from relevant organizations, community leaders, and
members of the public ranged from 8.92 to 9.42 out of 10. Their feedback indicated that the
model was appropriate for practical implementation, helped older adults with dementia live in
the community with a good quality of life, and had positive effects on caregivers by enhancing
their knowledge, understanding, and participation in the dementia care process.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that professional nurses and health personnel
involved in elderly care apply this model to improve the quality of life of older adults with
dementia. Policymaking organizations may also use the knowledge gained from this study to
analyze, plan, and formulate national health policies related to dementia care for older adults in
Thailand.
