Health-Related Quality of Life among Frail Older Adults from Paid Volunteer Caregivers as Perceived by Various Stakeholders

Abstract

Thailand transitioned completely into an aged society, and the proportion of the elderly population is increasing rapidly.  The health care crisis is therefore an important issue that health personnel must consider.  This qualitative research aimed to investigate health-related quality of life among frail older adults received care from paid volunteer caregivers.  It was conducted in Trang Province.  Data were collected from the elderly received care and various stakeholders by using in-depth interviews with a semi-structured interview protocol.  In addition, participant observation method was also employed.  The participations in this study were key informants including 10 older adults, 10 family caregivers, 10 paid volunteer caregivers, and 5 health officers.  Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the findings were summarized through themes by narrative and case study.  The results revealed that paid volunteer caregivers yielded positive outcomes of health-related quality of life among frail older adults received care.  These outcomes encompassed various aspects, including improved mobility, enhanced self-care, better performance in daily activities, pain relief, promotion of well-being, and emotional support.  Moreover, these paid volunteer caregivers played a crucial role in supporting family caregivers of the elderly for providing better care to the frail older adults.  According to the results, this study recommends that local administrative organizations should allocate adequate budgetary support for managing appropriate paid volunteer caregivers, in terms of coverage and proper ratio between frail older adults and paid volunteer caregivers.  This operation is necessary for long-term care system for the elderly, while Thailand is moving rapidly to a supper-aged society in the near future.