Development of the Elder Care System using Benchmarking for Kiriwong Sub District, Plaipraya District, Krabi Province

Abstract

This article is a part of the research on “Development of the Elder Care System and Innovation by Local Community of Kiriwong Sub-district, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province”; 1) aiming to study situation context and elder care process in local communities of Kiriwong Sub-district, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province. 2) aiming to benchmarking elder care system by Local Community of Kiriwong Sub-district, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province. Moreover, 3) the study also emphasized the guideline for elder care system development for local communities of Kiriwong Sub-district, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province. The target group of 40 persons was selected by purposive sampling method. Research methodology included consideration of benchmarking, matching benchmarking, data compiling, data analysis, action, data collection by questionnaire and activities record form according to the action plan.

Findings from the study suggested that development of the elder care system using benchmarking at local communities of Kiriwong Sub-district, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province based on Bengt Ka-lof’s 5-steps benchmarking method starting from 1st to 5th steps which consisted of competency development, concerned environment development, service system development, fund or welfare establishment, development and application of information for promoting, solving/managing of elder person’s problem, rules and regulations to support activities. Development was significantly achieved through the innovative program of comprehensive learning center for elder person managed by local communities of Kiriwong Sub-district. In conclusion, benchmarking led to systematic planning, management and following-up, and also promoted participation in almost all areas resulting in significant changes to elder care system development by local communities.