Development of a Care Model for Dependent Elderly in Khaopanom District, Krabi Province.

Abstract

     This study aimed to 1) develop a care model for dependent elderly in Khaopanom District, Krabi Province that was appropriate to the community context, 2) examine factors affecting the development of the care model, and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the developed care model. This was a Participatory Action Research study consisting of four phases: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The sample consisted of 136 participants, divided into three groups: 2 public health personnel, 9 members of the long-term care support subcommittee, and 125 community members. Research instruments included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data.

     The research findings revealed that the system development resulted in changes to the ratio of elderly care managers (CM) from 1:59 to 1:35-40 persons, and care givers for dependent elderly (CG) from 1:30 to 1:10 persons, meeting ministry standards. Overall readiness for system development was at a moderate level (=2.29, S.D. = 0.56). Elderly care provided by caregivers and village health volunteers was at a high level (=2.35, S.D. = 0.49). Satisfaction of caregivers and the elderly with the developed system was at a high level (=2.61 and =2.73, respectively). Success factors comprised three main components: personnel capacity enhancement, support from local administrative organizations, and community participation. The developed care model for dependent elderly was characterized as integrated care among the government, private, and civil sectors. The model successfully met the certification criteria for long-term care (LTC) sub-district from Health Region 11 Nakhon Si Thammarat and could serve as a guideline for developing LTC systems in other areas with similar contexts.