Development of a Healthcare Model for the Elderly in the Community with Integration of Thai Traditional Medicine Knowledge
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Abstract
Action research aims to develop a healthcare model for the elderly in the community with the integration of Thai traditional medicine knowledge. The study employs an approach involving 20 key informants selected through purposive sampling. These informants actively participate in the integrated sub-district economic and social upgrading project in Bunrueang sub-district, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, and the data collection method involves focus group discussions. The research tools utilized are recordings of these focus group sessions, content analysis, and data triangulation. The findings reveal challenges and trends among the elderly in Bunrueang Subdistrict, encompassing economic struggles (poverty and insufficient income), social issues (some individuals experiencing loneliness with no caregiver), and health concerns (prevalence of congenital diseases and five groups of illnesses treatable with Thai traditional medicine, along with mental health problems). Thai traditional medicine assumes a crucial role in maintaining elderly health in compliance with established regulations. This includes activities such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation of health with Thai traditional medicine methods. The proposed model for elderly care in the community involves two main activities: 1) healthcare activities: operating an elderly clinic to address the five identified groups of diseases, along with activities aimed at promoting and preventing health issues to enhance the overall quality of life for the elderly and 2) development activities: cultivating local medicinal plants and vegetables for self-care by promoting the use and development of medicinal plants and local vegetables to take care of health and supplement income.
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