Abstract:
This study explores an appropriate care model of elderly care in the three southern provinces of Thailand for the next decade. The study was conducted using Delphi technique of care model for elderly care over January-December 2015. Participants (n = 25) included 3 policy makers, 19 policy implementation officials (who integrate policies into practice) and 3 external academic authorities who work related to elderly care. A preliminary round of extensive qualitative interviews and a Delphi-based analysis from 25 experts developed and clustered into a scenario for the most probable future. Research findings indicated that the suitable forms of elderly care fell within three contexts ; (1) the context of elderly people in the three southern border provinces ; (2) the context offacing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) ; and (3) the context of advance of technology in the next decade. Within these three contexts the elderly model PP (Preparing, Providing) & SUM (Supporting, Using, Managing) Model can be utilized. This model includes 5 dimensions with 28 aspects. The first dimension preparing for elderly care has 4 aspects : (1) preparing for varied elderly care in the future ; (2) preparing readiness for quality elderly care in terms of appropriate resources ; (3) preparing readiness for quality elderly education and life long learning ; and (4) preparing readiness for quality elderly in social compassion realized in values and dignity. The second dimension providing the necessary care for the elderly had 3 aspects : (1) providing health knowledge in terms of supporting, preventing, and basic self-care; (2) providing peaceful coexistence and strengthening elderly organization ; and (3) providing elderly work and income. The third dimension supporting the facilities and protecting the elderly consisted of 6 aspects : (1) to support potential elderly people to work ; (2) to support the media to promote elderly access to information ; (3) to promote and support elderly people to provide good dwellings and a safe environment ; (4) a social support system for elderly people with a guaranteed income and health insurance coverage ; (5) social protection for elderly families and care givers ; and (6) service and networking support system protection. The fourth dimension using information and technology for the elderly consisted of 6 aspects : (1) elderly database system ; (2) supporting elderly people using information and technology ; (3) developing suitable careers for those interested in geriatric care ; (4) Developing long-term care system for elderly people by community or Local Administrative Organizations ; (5) promoting and supporting a good quality environment to survive for elderly society ; (6) advanced technology to support elderly lifestyles. The fifth dimension managing the appropriate elderly care system consisted of 9 aspects : (1) health care system for elderly people ; (2) providing a service system for elderly people ; (3) Home Health Care system for elderly people ; (4) elderly care system by caregivers ; (5) community care system for elderly people ; (6) long-term care system for elderly people ; (7) social support for elderly people ; (8) good care model for elderly people ; and (9) community model care for elderly people by collaborating associated organizations.