Development of a Community-Based Continuous Care Model for Elderly Individuals with Dependency in Ban Suan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

          This participatory action research aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based continuous care model for elderly individuals with dependency. The study was conducted in the community of Ban Suan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province and comprised five stages: 1) examining the situation of elderly individuals with dependency, 2) assessing the health perception of caregivers and dependent elderly in the community, 3) examining community participation in elderly care, 4) planning for the care model, and 5) Evaluating the developing the care model for community-based elderly care. The purposive sample consisted of 58 elderly individuals, dyad into a control and experimental group of 29 participants each. The research tools included 1) a community participation care model developed by the researcher after an initial study and 2) data collection tools such as health perception questionnaires, quality of life surveys, and satisfaction with dependent long-term care model usage. Three experts validated content validity of 0.86 and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82 for reliability. Quantitative data analysis was performed using statistical methods, and qualitative data from in-depth interviews were content-analyzed. Results indicated statistically significant health perception caregivers and quality of life post-intervention (p-value <. 001).  Satisfaction with the care model was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p-value <. 001) The developed model, the LTC Ban Suan Model, includes four key activities: 1) development of knowledge and skills for family members in caring for dependent elderly, 2) support activities by neighbors for elderly care, 3) assistance by community leaders, and 4) coordination of support by a network of stakeholders.