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

Main Article Content

Kannika Ruangdej Chaosuansreecharoen
Panita Krongyuth
Benjaporn Ratchatarom
Rassamee Suknarin
Kamonat Muangyim
Supat Assana
Kanchana Nimsunthon

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.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Ruangdej Chaosuansreecharoen K, Krongyuth P, Ratchatarom B, Suknarin R, Muangyim K, Assana S, Nimsunthon K. Health-Related Quality of Life among Frail Older Adults from Paid Volunteer Caregivers as Perceived by Various Stakeholders. NJPH (วารสาร พ.ส.) [Internet]. 2024 Apr. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];34(1):145-59. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnaph/article/view/268986
Section
บทความวิจัย

References

Department of Local Administration. Local care volunteer project to care for dependent elderly people [internet]. 2020 [cited 11 May 2022]. Available from https://www.dla.go.th/index.jsp (in Thai)

Leelahavarong P, Jinatongthai P, Chanthawong S, Wongsalap Y, Kengkla K, Yanpiboon A, et al. An Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on access to healthcare services of elderly in Thailand. Nonthaburi: Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program. 2022.(in Thai)

Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University. Risks and impacts on the elderly during Covid-19 [internet]. 2022 [cited May 2022). Available from https://op.mahidol.ac.th/ga/posttoday-13/ (in Thai)

Sripho S, Chansuvan S, Phothong P, Khachat S, Chantorn A. Mental health and mental health self-care for the elderly in the situation of COVID-19 at Sam Chuk, Suphanburi Province. Journal of Health and Nursing Research, 2023; 39(1): 100-110.(in Thai)

Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health. Training manual for elderly caregivers, 70-hour course. Nonthaburi: Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health; 2013.(in Thai)

Ministry of Interior regulations regarding Local Care Volunteers of Local Administrative Organizations and disbursement of expenses 2019. Royal Gazette Volume 136, Special episode 145 D (Dated 7 June 2019).

Committee to Develop Screening and Health Assessment Tools for the Elderly Health. Manual for screening and evaluating the health of the older adults 2021. Nonthaburi: Ministry of Public Health; 2021.(in Thai)

National Statistical Office, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The 2021 survey of the older persons in Thailand. Bangkok: National Statistical Office, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society; 2021.

Sukarnjanaset P, Sakthong P, Kasemsup V. Item analysis, validity and reliability of the patient–reported outcome measure of pharmaceutical therapy for quality of life (PROMPT-QoL) at Ramathibodi Hospital. Thai Pharm Health Sci J, 2015; 10(2): 49-58.

Yasud P, Kittipanya-ngam P. Quality of life and utility in cardiac surgical patients at Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the northeast. Srinagarind Med J, 2021; 36(3): 253-259.

Photharos N. Measurement of health-related quality of life. EAU HERITAGE JOURANL Science and Technology, 2016; 10(3): 36-43.(in Thai)

EuroQOL. EQ-5D User Guides [internet]. 2019 [cited 2023 May 10]. Available from: https://euroqol. org/publications/user-guides/

Chantavanich S. Qualitative research methods. Print No. 19. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University, 2011. (in Thai)

Lincharearn A. Data analysis and presentation in qualitative research [internet]. [cited 11 May 2022]. Available from https://www.academia.edu/34094087_Data_Analysis_and_Presentation in qualitative research.(in Thai)

Chantakeeree C. Promoting exercise behaviour for vulnerable Elderly. The Journal of Faculty of Nursing Burapha University, 2016; 24(2): 1-13.(in Thai)

Jaikhamwang N, Juksuphan W, Noijuar W, Choomchumpoo S, Trakoonrerk I. The situation, problems and care needs for chronically Ill elderly with bedridden in community during the COVID-19 Outbreak, Udonthani Province. Journal of Nursing and Health Care, 2022; 40(1): 17-25.(in Thai)

Maslow AH. A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 1943; 50(40): 370–96.

Choi NG, Snow AL, Kunik ME. Pain severity, interference, and prescription analgesic use among depressed, low-income homebound older adults. Aging Ment Health, 2016; (8); 20: 804-13. doi: 10.1080/ 13607863.2015.1037244

Fukfon K, Chaimai A, Techavises S. Factors Associated with pain level among community-dwelling dependency older adults. Journal of Research in Nursing-Midwifery and Health Sciences, 2022; 42(1): 49-60.

Laosan C, Chaiyasat K, Witthayakhaow W. Caring for the dependent elderly at the center for elderly care at Waeng Sub-District Health Promotion Hospital, Kradian Subdristric, Trakan Phuet Phon District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Journal of Health Science, 2020; 29(5):813-21.