Opportunities and challenges for post-prison women employed as caregivers for the elderly in Thailand 10.55131/jphd/2025/230109
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Abstract
This study seeks to explore the perspectives of elderly care organizations and households with elderly members concerning the employment of post-prison women as caregivers for the elderly. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with representatives from 27 elderly care centers and questionnaire interviews with representatives of 560 households in five areas where women’s correctional institutes are located in Thailand.
The findings revealed that 19 enterprise executives and 74 percent of household representatives held similar views on this issue. Specifically, among 21 elderly care centers, there was a tendency to hire post-prison women to work as caregivers. Conversely, it is worth noting that this issue is sensitive both on an individual level and for society as a whole. Therefore, it was advised against having former prisoners engage in home-based elder care. This recommendation stemmed from concerns that it could compromise the trust and safety of service users. Meanwhile, household representatives believed that individuals with a history of serious crimes should not be involved in caregiving. This was considered a crucial factor in determining whether to opt for nursing home services or hire caregivers for elderly individuals receiving care at home.
Therefore, it is recommended to establish a coordination center for various departments to collaborate. This center would oversee tasks including identifying qualified post-prison women, providing training courses for elderly caregivers, engaging in public relations, and coordinating with agencies seeking to hire caregivers. This initiative aims to facilitate the employment of women with previous convictions, empowering them to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
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