National Seminar: Synchronization of Longterm Care for The Older People with Home Care Facilities

On Thursday (22/02/2024), a National Seminar was held by the Association of Nursing Students at the Bali Institute of Technology and Health (ITEKES Bali) with the theme “Synchronization of Long-Term Care for Older People with Home Care Facilities.” This activity was organized as part of the 29th Anniversary of ITEKES Bali and was held at the Convention Hall of ITEKES Bali Campus II.

Dr. dr. I Gusti Putu Suka Aryana, Sp.PD-KGer, attended the event as a keynote speaker. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a Geriatric Consultant, and a member of the Sahaja Dharma Sejahtera team.

The material he presented during the seminar focused on Long-Term Care (LTC) for older people with poor health conditions and functional limitations. Older individuals typically experience a gradual decline in bodily functions, which often leads to the development of multiple health issues and increases the likelihood of disability. This condition results in older people facing challenges in performing daily activities and requiring care from caregivers.

Home care services are positioned as the primary vehicle for long-term care, tailored to the cultural context of Indonesia, which still values the extended family model. This approach allows older people to feel more comfortable being cared for and staying with their families at home.

The seminar ran smoothly, and the participants showed great enthusiasm, as reflected in the large number of questions during the discussion and Q&A sessions. Due to time constraints, only a few questions could be addressed directly, while the remaining questions were accommodated through the Instagram account @sahaja_bali.

Through the Instagram account, several participants shared their impressions of the seminar, highlighting the valuable insights they gained.

“With this seminar, my concern for older people has increased, and my interest in home care has grown significantly, especially with the presence of the Sahaja Dharma Sejahtera Foundation, which truly cares about older people, ensuring their health, prosperity, and happiness,” wrote Instagram user @sasisasmitaa in the comment section.

Instagram user @gedewira_ardika also shared their experience, saying, “This seminar has opened my heart to understand the deeper meaning of caring for the people we love. Older people, in their twilight years, need attention and affection from us early on. Their smiles are our happiness. I am now filled with enthusiasm and determination, ready to become a caregiver for those in need in my community.”

Another participant, @leanifebri, wrote in the comment section, “This morning’s seminar was very beneficial for all of us. The material on Long-Term Care emphasizes support for older people who cannot care for themselves. It’s not only nursing professionals who need to take part in this effort, but families must also be involved in improving and maintaining the health of older people to achieve optimal well-being. Through this seminar, I’ve gained a better understanding of how to care for older people to help them achieve health that is Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous!”