Long-term care Management in Phetchabun

Abstract

     This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design to examine the management system of long-term care (LTC) for older persons in Phetchabun Province, Thailand. System Theory was adopted as the conceptual framework for data analysis and interpretation. The participants were divided into two groups. The first group comprised 160 public health LTC managers selected through simple random sampling. The second group consisted of 30 purposively selected participants, including family caregivers of dependent older persons , caregivers, officers responsible for LTC services, community leaders or community representatives, and representatives from elderly quality-of-life development centers. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires, in-depth interview guidelines, and focus group discussion guidelines. Data were collected between December 2025 and May 2026. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, whereas qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

     The findings indicated that dependent older persons in Phetchabun Province demonstrated high levels of physical, social, and psychological care needs. The greatest demand was identified for assistive devices and supportive facilities, followed by social welfare services and financial support, respectively. Qualitative findings, analyzed through the lens of System Theory, revealed several critical factors influencing the effectiveness of the LTC management system.