ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to help establish policies on activities of daily living, fall efficacy, and depression of elderly community-dwelling people by analyzing the effects of a community-care program with occupational therapists. Methods: A community-care program for 26 elderly people was provided in multiple ways after collecting opinions through meetings conducted by an expert group. Assessment of Home-based Activities (AHA), the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale (K-FES), and the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-KR) were used as evaluation tools. After the interview and initial evaluation, the program was conducted 1 to 2 times per week (60 minutes each time), and 6 times in total. After the end of the program, a survey was conducted asking for the satisfaction and effectiveness of the participants along with a revaluation. Results: The AHA, K-FES, and GDS-KR scores between before and after applying the community-care program showed statistically significant differences (p < .05). After the program, activities of daily living (independence, difficulty, and safety) and fall efficacy improved and depression decreased. In addition, satisfaction and effectiveness were answered at above the normal level. Conclusion: This study showed that a community-care program with occupational therapists has positive effects on activities of daily living, fall efficacy, and depression of elderly community-dwelling people. In the future, we hope that studies on the effects of other variables will be conducted, and that the results of this study will be used as a foundation for policy making related to community-care.