Evaluation of Local Services Provided to Elderly People in the Context of COVID-19 Epidemic and Loyalty Social Support Group: Case of Kayseri Talas Metropolitan District Municipality

The aim of the project is to determine the satisfaction level of citizens aged 65 and over residing within the boundaries of Kayseri Talas District, and to evaluate their opinions regarding the work of the Vefa Social Support Group operating in the district. As a result of the survey conducted within the scope of the project, it was found that the rate of satisfaction with the services of the Vefa Social Support Group was high at 87.3%. There is a significant relationship between household structure and resilience; those living alone felt more alone in the epidemic; It has been determined that they mostly do not experience fear of death, but they are afraid of losing their loved ones. There is a significant relationship between the income status of the participants and their psychological resilience; It was determined that those with no income felt more lonely and their anxiety levels increased compared to those with income. There is a significant relationship between chronic disease states and their psychological resilience; It has been determined that the physical health of those who do not have the disease deteriorates less than those who do, and they experience less fear of death. When the data obtained in terms of an increase in the level of anxiety are examined, it is seen that both groups are mostly more anxious than in the past; however, it was concluded that they felt safe with the public measures taken. The findings and recommendations obtained were shared with the representatives of public institutions at the workshop held on December 21, 2020. It should be taken into account that the psychological health of citizens aged 65 and over, who have been in isolation for a long time due to the epidemic, is important as well as their physical health. Apart from meeting their essential needs, activities should be organized to relieve their loneliness with a naive approach. Visiting the elderly with the support of geriatric specialists; Performing routine health checks accompanied by health personnel should also be included in the scope of epidemic management. The competencies of public institutions performing these services in terms of their administrative and financial capacities should be reviewed and strengthened. As in pre-disaster drills, training studies should be carried out on services offered to citizens; Personnel selection should be made by considering principles such as volunteerism and responsibility awareness. As the elderly constitute the groups that are most affected by the epidemic and comply with the rules as much as possible, rather than spreading the epidemic, their marginalization should be prevented through awareness activities.