Community Empowerment through Support Groups for Elderly with Cognitive Impairment

NGANJUK, INDONESIA – The Dementia and Aging Care Research Center (DACRC) and the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a community empowerment program in Mlandangan Village, Pace District, Nganjuk Regency, on September 12, 2025. The program focused on empowering families who care for elderly individuals with cognitive disorders through the formation of local support groups.

This initiative responded to the growing number of elderly people experiencing cognitive decline, including dementia, in rural communities. Many caregivers face challenges such as limited knowledge, social stigma, and emotional strain. The program aimed to strengthen social support and improve the quality of life of elderly individuals through collaborative learning, shared experiences, and emotional connection among caregivers.

Building Stronger Caregiver Networks

During the event, participants attended several interactive sessions that introduced the concept of cognitive impairment, effective communication techniques, and strategies for stress management. Trainers also demonstrated simple physical and memory-stimulating activities to support elderly mental health. The program emphasized the importance of empathy and teamwork among caregivers to ensure consistent and compassionate elderly care.

The initiative included pre- and post-evaluations to measure knowledge improvement. The results showed a significant increase in participants’ understanding of cognitive health and caregiving techniques. Moreover, caregivers expressed greater confidence and solidarity after joining the support group.

Sustaining Community-Based Support Systems

The community empowerment program gained strong support from local government officials, health workers, and elderly care volunteers. Their involvement reinforced a sense of collective responsibility in caring for older adults. The local leaders expressed optimism that this model could be replicated in other communities across the region.

Beyond short-term benefits, the program aims to build a sustainable network that integrates healthcare education and family-based interventions. Through this initiative, DACRC continues to advance its mission to promote elderly well-being and develop inclusive community-based care systems.