A correlational study on functional autonomy and perceived family support among elderly patients in selected hospital, Hoshiarpur, Punjab

Elders are the pillars of the family, need support and care from the family to strengthen their autonomy and self esteem. As physical deterioration progresses with age, elders encounter more loss of function and greater inability to cope with stressful events. In this stage of life family support can help to establish a good coping environment. A non experimental correlational research design was used to achieve the stated objectives. Sample comprised of 100 subjects. The study was conducted in OPD of civil hospital, Hoshiarpur. Target population comprises of elderly patients more than 65 years of age attending OPD in civil hospital. Purposive sampling technique was used to select adequate size of the sample. Assessment of the functional autonomy was done with the help of standardized rating scale-SMAF and assessment of perceived family support was done with the help of standardized rating scale- TFSS-EP. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings shows that 69 % of the elderly are having level 1 functional autonomy means they need only supervision or stimulation. Similarly as per perceived family support 53% are having good family support. So, nearly half of the elderly reported good perceived family support. Functional autonomy and perceived family support have been found positively correlated. Majority of the elderly patients had level 1 functional autonomy. Nearly half of the sample is only getting good perceived family support and both functional autonomy and perceived family support are positively correlated.