Developing a model integrating family and community care for the elderly

Abstract

The number of elderly has increased rapidly in Thai society. Elderly care is essential for their quality of life. This operational research aimed to develop a model integrating the perspectives of community development and family care for the elderly and to study the effectiveness of the elderly care program. The sample consisted of 30 elderly, 30 caregivers and  9  stakeholders involved in providing care of the elderly in Prachin Buri province, Thailand. Data were collected by using group discussion and structured interview form. Data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation and paired t-test.

Based on the research results, a model was designed consisting of sequentially integrated tools and activities, including situation analysis, elderly needs assessment, availability of community based services, principles of the sufficiency economy,  drawing up and implementating action  plans,  and  evaluation  of  the programs based on the plan. After applying the model, self-esteem levels and healthy behaviors of elderly had significantly increased (p < 0.05). Changes were also found in caregivers in terms of their self-esteem and their caring behavior.  Therefore, it was concluded that community based services and principles of the sufficiency economy can be used as important tools for community development and improving family care, if supported by related organizations.