Abstract:
A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Kelaniya MOH area to assess the
family and community participation for the well being of elders. Majority of the elders in
the sample were Buddhists (84.9 percent) and Sinhalese (95.8 percent indicating minimal
influence of religion and ethnicity for acknowledgement of family and community services.
A higher percentage of elders (56.9 percent) of whom 63.4 percent females were without
any source of monthly income. The functional capacity for ADL deteriorated as age
advanced with the value of 80.6 percent among the oldest old ( above 85 years ). A good
functional capacity was observed only in 55.2 percent even in young elders (60 -74 years).
The majority of elders were living without psychological distress. A majority of elders were
involved in effective leisure time activities and religious activities irrespective of age but
their participation in social activities with the family showed only 50 percent.. Most of the
community assistance for elders on day today activities revealed that elders. experienced
poor community assistance. Majority of elders revealed in lack of awareness in elderly
programmes available for them. The elderly care programmes needed to be addressed on the
above aspects in improving family and community care for elders. The contributory factors
for their poor level of satisfaction need to be explored in quality improving aspects
