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Abstract

This qualitative research study was aimed to understand the current situation of caring for the older population and their healthcare services in Bothong Subdistrict, Phitsanulok, Thailand. There were 59 key informants composed of community leaders, village healthcare volunteers, family caregivers, and members of local administrative authorities within the study area. Two data collection methods were employed in the study: A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire in which all interviews in Thai language were tape-recorded and later transcribed and translated into English for analysis and interpretation. Another method was through focus group discussions, including research-team observations and field notes. All recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through content analysis. To describe current care for the older population most key informants perceived changes in the behavior of the older population when their abilities to perform daily activities decreased, and when chronic diseases increased. The main factors influencing health care services for the older population were family caregivers, leadership of community people, and healthcare organization. Healthcare services within the community health centers were mainly focused on basic treatment, whereas the availability of health personnel home visits was seen as inadequate and uncertain. Suggested activities for improving health care for the older population were: 1) establishing home visit teams by community leaders and healthcare providers, whose tasks would be 1.1) educating the elderly about good eating habits, 1.2) educating the elderly about the correct use of medications, 1.3) emotional control, and 1.4) making merit; 2) promoting elderly health by village health volunteers; and 3) creating a good environment for the elderly, an environment in which the elderly residents felt needed and wanted and taken care of. These findings can help to continue strengthening family caregivers and community leaders to work with health care providers and serve the needs of the older population.

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