Abstract:
The objectives of this research were 1) to study concepts and theories related to the standards of caregivers for the elderly in elderly care establishments, 2) to study Thai legislative measures compared with the measures in other countries in the standardization of caregivers for the elderly in elderly care establishments, 3) to analyze problems concerning the standard of caregivers for the elderly in elderly care establishments, and 4) to study solutions to the problems of the standardization of caregivers for the elderly in elderly care establishments to improve and add laws appropriate to the present era. This qualitative research was conducted by studying the relevant concepts, theories, and laws of Thailand and the standards of caregivers for the elderly in other countries.
According to the study, it was found that the standardization of caregivers for the elderly in
Thailand, according to the ministerial regulations which determine the standards for places, safety, and services in health establishments in the category of elderly care or dependents, B.E. 2563, does not cover the standards in the aged care profession owing to the fact that the standardization of the ministerial regulations is merely a preliminary standardization, and does not define the specific qualifications, inspections, penalties, and details relevant to caregivers for the elderly. Additionally, at present, most of the persons who act or work as caregivers for the elderly in Thailand are workers from neighboring countries, which is not specified in the qualifications of this labor type in the ministerial regulations in any way. Therefore, it is deemed appropriate to propose an amendment to
the standard of caregivers for the elderly in terms of qualifications, competency assessment, inspection, and penalties for both Thai and foreign caregivers for the elderly. Moreover, there should be an agency or committee to control and supervise those who work as caregivers for the elderly.