Development of The Elderly Care Model by Community Participation, Kluaikwang Sub-district, Huaithabthan District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This participatory action research (PAR) involves community network partners. The objectives of the study were to develop a health care model for the elderly and to examine the results of implementing this model in the community of Kluai Kwang Subdistrict, Huai Thap Than District, Sisaket Province. The sample group consisted of 50 individuals involved in elderly health care and network partners, selected through simple random sampling. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods: questionnaires and interviews were used to gather quantitative data, while observation was used for qualitative data.

The research found that the development of the elderly health care model through the participation of community network partners in Kluai Kwang Subdistrict consisted of four main steps: 1) Planning, which included (1) analyzing the context and identifying problems, (2) conducting a SWOT analysis with stakeholders, and (3) organizing a participatory health care planning workshop for the elderly. 2) Implementation, following the elderly health care action plan. 3) Observation: monitoring the elderly healthcare activities. And 4) Reflection, evaluating the outcomes of elderly health care. The results showed that the participatory model development process encouraged knowledge-sharing and exchange of ideas and experiences among network members, leading to a variety of beneficial activities.

Recommendations: Community network partners such as community leaders, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), and elderly caregivers should be supported in developing expertise in project writing to ensure continuity in elderly health care services.