the DEVELOPING A MODEL FOR INTEGRATED ELDERLY HEALTH CARE FROM THE COMMUNITY TO THE HOSPITAL IN A SEAMLESS MANNER (CASE STUDY)

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a seamlessly integrated healthcare model for the elderly spanning from the community to the hospital, comprising four stages: 1) studying problems and needs in elderly healthcare; 2) developing the model; 3) implementing the model; and 4) evaluation.
Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and content analysis.

The results revealed that the majority of elderly participants expressed the strongest preference for an elderly care center within their village, followed by assistive equipment for standing, sitting, or walking, and supplementary income to reduce the burden on their children and grandchildren.
The model integrated activities across three dimensions: security, social participation, and health and service systems, operationalized through four main pillars: the public sector, Sub-district Administrative Organization, community hospital, and District Public Health Office. Following implementation of the model, elderly participants demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p-value < 0.001), with overall satisfaction at a moderate level.This model, which integrates the interface between the community and network partners, comprehensively addresses the healthcare needs of the elderly across all dimensions, resulting in improved quality of life. When adapting this model to other areas, consideration should be given to the contextual differences of each setting.