AN ANALYSIS ON THE BUDDHIST WELBEING OF THE DEMENTIA PATIENT’S RELATIVES IN CHIANG MAI NEUROLOGICAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purposes of this research were: 1 ) to study the health of relatives of
dementia patients in Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital; 2) to study Buddhist principles
for the health treatment of dementia patient’s relatives in Chiang Mai Neurological
Hospital; 3) to analytical study the Buddhist health of dementia patient’s relatives in
Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital. It was qualitative research by collecting data from
documents and interviewing 15 relatives of dementia patients in Chiang Mai
Neurological Hospital.
Its results were shown that: The dementia is caused by the degeneration of
brain cells that affects the ability in various fields such as memory, thinking,
reasoning, decision-making, language use, and changes in personality, behavior and
mood. It also affects to the ability in performing daily activities and socializing.
Most of the care for dementia patients is a home care. Their relatives play
directly role in caring them. But in caring dementia patients, it is so heavy burden
because they have to always and closely take care of the patients. Their relatives,
therefore, are the risky groups in losing their health. Health problems of the
dementia patient’s relatives in Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital were found that they
have got chronic diseases such as the high blood pressure, high blood lipids,
diabetes, stress, fatigue, discouragement, sadness, remorse, bad relationship with
neighbors, introverted. Their incomes are from pensions and from the help of their
children.
There are 4 Buddhist principles for correctly health treatment of dementia
patient’s relatives in Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital namely: 7 Sappãya (suitable
things), Kalyãnamitta (qualities of a good friend, Trilakkhana (the Three Characteristics)
and 4 Sangahavatthu (principles of service). On the related principles are gratitude
and 6 Directions. These Buddhist principles are used to solve the various Welbeing’s
problems such as; Iriyapathasappãya(suitable posture) is treated in solving the
physical term, Bhojanasappãya(suitable food) is for the sake of nutrition,
Åvãsasappãya(suitable abode) and Iriyãpathasappãya are for the sake of nutrition in
relaxation. For the term of health and environment, the Åvãsasappãya,
Gocarasappãya(suitable resort), Bhojanasappãya and Iriyapathasappãya are used. For
emotional and mental problems, Piyavãcã(kindly speech) of Sangahavatthu,
Bhassasappãya(suitable speech) and Puggalasappãya, together with the Three
Charateristricsare used. For the problem of social well-being, Dana(charity) Piyavaca
and Atthacariya(rendering services) of Sangahavatthu, Kalyãnamitta and
Puggalasappãya(suitable person) are used. For solving the economic problem, Dãna
Attyhacariyã and Kalyãnamitta are treated.
The outcomes in using the Buddhist Principles were found that the dementia
patient’s relatives in Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital were in a good into a very
good health. They are physically strong and aware of how to do exercise, reduce
stress, more admire the patient, not be introverted, better keep relationship with
neighbors, know how to save, not be nervous about the economy