This research is a participatory action research study which aims to (1) develop a health
service network for elderly people in home-bound and bed-bound groups while the
involvement of 3 main community parties (health service providers, social service providers,
community/local service providers) was considered, and (2) develop information technology
systems regarding home-bound and bed-bound elderly information to meet the needs of any
use. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods from persons and parties
involved in the care of dependent elderly people in the communities of Hong Ha (Moo 1, 6, 7,
and 8, Nam Cho Sub-district, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province). Involved persons and parties
were (1) 62 elderly people with dependency and 62 relative caregivers of both home-bound
and bed-bound, (2) 15 caregivers (CG) of elderly with dependency, and (3) 3 representatives
from the main community parties (health service providers, social service providers,
community/local service providers). More data were from best practice sources in Surin,
Lampang and Chiang Mai Provinces. Quantitative data were analyzed by frequency, percentage,
mean, standard deviation, and the Effectiveness Index (E.I.) of learning. After verified, qualitative
data were organized and used content analysis.
Results:
1. Health Networking System for the elderly, home-bound and bed-bound groups In the
responsible area of Hong Ha Health Promotion Hospital was summarized by a linkage of 5
components which are (1) assessing the condition of the elderly with dependency and the
potential of the caregivers, (2) caring for the elderly with dependency by the community, (3)
health service system, continuous care system and management information system &
technology, (4) the policy formulation, the project plan and the budget from Nam Cho Subdistrict
Municipality, and (5) the care of the elderly with dependency from other related
organizations.
2. COC Link Program was an off-line system that had been developed to an on-line. It
can transmit two-way information and link the continuum of follow-up care between Mae Tha
Hospital and all Health Promotion Hospitals in its area. 3. Most of dependent elderlies were 78.15 years old female with chronic illnesses and
hospitalized experience. Health problems included oral disorder (58.06%), reduced sight
(66.13%), cognitive disorder (62.90%), knee pain and risk of falls (70.97%), lower standard BMI
(38.71%), risk of malnutrition (66.13%), and urinary leakage or incontinence (37.10%).
4. For Effectiveness Index (E.I) in learning of the caregivers (CG), the value of developed
skills and potential, after related knowledge and skills development, was at 0.4909, indicating
that caregivers had gained 0.4909 related knowledge and skills on dependent elderly caregiving.
It was accounted for 49.09 percent.
It can be concluded that health care system in the community should respond to the
needs of dependent elderly people and relative caregivers, taking into account on the
differences of individuals. Dependent elderly people and caregivers should be encouraged with
an ability to assess and care for themselves. It is recommended that the care direction should
be integrated and substantial by people in the community, government agencies, and the
private sector. Continuity and care linkage are considered while redundancy of health care roles
can be reduced. Community and local resources planning is applied together in all community
levels (personnel, materials and equipment, budget and allocation, management). The
importance of information technology system development and introduction of new
technologies should be recognized in elderly with dependency caregiving. It is to maintain and
to achieve the goal of health care service for elderly people with dependency in order to have
a good quality of life and to live with value and dignity of human beings.