Presenter(s):
Malou Navio; Marivic Ihap, Unbound, United States
Abstract
Unbound has identified a pressing need to address the healthcare challenges faced by older adult individuals living with diabetes. In partnership with Chronic care International (CCI), Unbound has piloted an integrating program in the Philippines for older adults living with diabetes.
CCI’s unique and comprehensive care model for older adults with diabetes has enabled the patients to live a healthier life, with over 90% of patients managing their diabetes with A1C levels under 9. Patients, with limited or no care previously have regained their well-being, independence, and rediscovered hope.
The partnership of Unbound and CCI aims to work with older adults on treatment, management and control of their diabetes through health intervention that is rooted in total well-being. It has an integral perspective and views physical, psychological and social wellbeing as interrelated determinants to ensure health. In the initial pilot phase, the program served 149 older adults. We are in the process of expanding to 349 older adults. We hope to continue to scale the program.
The model operates with multi-system and interdisciplinary orientation. It can be described as a community-based and patient-driven approach to manage diabetes condition from a disturbing disease into a manageable condition. Treatment also aims to prevent complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and amputation. The long-term success of chronic disease such as diabetes program requires that older adult patients be engaged as part of the larger solution. It sees the older adults and their caregivers as having a significant role to play in diabetes management and control.
This program operationalizes the following areas:
Health Care Services – accessible clinic for regular check-up with the doctor, regular monitoring of sugar through A1C and provision of medicines by the Unbound health care team composed of a doctor and community health attendants. Unbound social work staff also conduct home visits and work closely with health care team. They use technology charting the older adult patient’s data and interventions.
Health and Nutrition Education – raising awareness on diabetes with hypertension and high cholesterol, understanding the importance of nutrition, physical exercise, modifying lifestyle, mental wellness and micro-happiness. Micro-happiness means daily routines that are unique to each older adult seem that make him/her feel relaxed with small happiness, enjoyment and commitment.
Community Engagement and Support system – small groups of older adults create space for belongingness to support interaction, enjoyment, work, pleasure for helping others and sharing with one another about one’s health status, learnt healthy practices and behavior change. This social participation address loneliness and isolation to significantly improve the psycho-social well-being of older adults.
Livelihood and Skills Development – an opportunity is made available to interested older adults whether a new learning craft, honing existing skills, and exploring entrepreneurship to help keep the cognitive function, creativity and enable to generate income.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Networking – symbiotic relationship with community health care, local government, and other stakeholders
Bio(s):
Malou Navio is a registered nurse with a passion for community health and total wellbeing. She completed her post-grad study in Community Development at Asian Social Institute, Manila. Her career began as an assistant company nurse for five years, followed by a role as program coordinator for health and nutrition, addressing malnutrition and communicable diseases. Since 1992, she has worked with Unbound, evolving from fieldwork to program director for Asia. Her expertise is enriched by continuous learning from families and communities, including Indigenous cultural communities.
Marivic Gonzales-Ihap earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Philippine Women’s University in 1996. She began her career with Unbound Quezon Project as a social worker and later became Project Coordinator in 2009. Her prior experiences include programs for young women, organizing fisherfolks, and monitoring children’s education, health, and welfare. She has held leadership roles in various non-profits and demonstrated determination in empowering marginalized families and communities. Her expertise in community organizing, especially with older adults, is notable for fostering strong community programs.
