Development of the process of long term care for the elderly in the community of Wapipathum Municipality, Wapipathum District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to study the development of the process of long term care for the elderly in the community of Wapipathum Municipality, Wapipathum District, Maha Sarakham Province. A total of 97 participants were selected by purposive sampling consisted of 1) public sector: 1 person representing of an elderly club committee, 7 community leaders, 10 trained elderly caregivers, 31 family caregivers, 31 elderly 2) academic sector: 8 health care providers in the family medicine team 3) community sector: 9 members in the municipal elderly care committee. The data were collected by group interview, participatory observation, assessment of level of participation, health status assessment for elderly, and home service satisfaction assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inference statistic, and content analysis. The study found that the process of long term care for the elderly in the community consisted of 5 elements: 1) real situation analysis and action plan 2) establishment of multi-sectors cooperative network among public, academic, and community sectors 3) the involvement of network in home visiting 4) consulting network system 5) preceptor team for monitoring and evaluating. The health outcomes of the elderly after implementing the care were improved in physical, psychosocial aspects. The findings indicate that the developed long term care could enhance the quality of care based on multi-sectors cooperative network and also improve health of the elderly. The key success factors included teamwork, strong and determined network leaders and continuous sharing of manpower, resources, time, and knowledge.