Participatory care for dependent people of the center for elderly quality of life development at Wapi Pathum District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study a model for participatory care for dependent people, evaluate care outcomes, and measure satisfaction of dependent people or their relatives. The study was divided into three phases: 1. preparatory phase; 2. implementation phase, which was divided into four steps: 1) planning stage 2) action stage 3) observation stage 4) performance reflection stage; and 3. evaluation phase. The sample group consisted of 91 dependent people, who were purposively selected. Data collection was carried out from February 1, 2022 to February 29, 2023. Results were measured after 9 months of care. Data were collected through group discussion, in-depth interview, and participatory observation. The ADL assessment from and satisfaction assessment from were also used.  Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The results of the study found that taking care of dependent people in a participatory manner results in the care model ‘Home Hang, Mueng Ngang, Hug Phang, Thai Wapi Bau Thim Kan,’ using the principles of WAPI Model in operation work. There was a multidisciplinary team, including physician, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, Thai traditional medicine, public health academics, nutritionists, and related network partners. When comparing the average of ADL before and after providing care, it was found that average ADL of the elderly in group 1 increased from 10.04 (±0.72) to 10.39 (±0.79), group 2 increased from 9.83 (±0.75) to 10.00 (±1.41), and group 3 increased from 1.83 (±1.83) to 2.20 (±2.68). Eight out of 91 people in the dependent group changed to be in the active group, accounting for 8.79%. The overall satisfaction score after providing care was at a high level (mean 4.11±0.49 points). The aspect with the greatest satisfaction was elderly caregivers who provided care with willingness, happy and enthusiastic. Therefore, participatory care for dependent elderly people can provide all dimensions of care and enhance quality of life for the elderly in the community to live life happily.