A Community-Based Healthcare Model for Bedridden Elderly in Mae Jarao Sub-District, Mae Ramat District, Tak Province

Background: The elderly population has been increasing, with more bedridden patients requiring quality care and collaboration from multiple sectors. Objective: To develop and evaluate a community-based healthcare model for bedridden elderly in Mae Jarao Sub-district, Mae Ramat District, Tak Province. Materials and Methods: The present study was a mixed-method research divided into four phases. 1) Problem Assessment: In-depth interviews were performed with elderly participants, caregivers, and public health officers to understand the current issues; 2) Evaluation of Healthcare Levels and Factors: Questionnaires were used to assess the 362 selected elderly participants; 3) Model Development: To create a healthcare model, a focused group discussion was conducted with stakeholders; 4) Evaluation: The developed model was validated by experts, and the questionnaire was used with the caregivers of the elderly. The instruments consisted of in-depth interviews, a questionnaire, a focused group discussion, and a knowledge test. Data were statistically analyzed in percentage, mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistics with chi-square and paired t-test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The research findings indicated that the elderly healthcare situation depends on personal factors, environmental factors, and social support factors. Healthcare and quality of life were found to be at the moderate level of 42.54% and 50%, respectively. The factors relating to quality of life were occupation, net income, income adequacy, participation in health promotion activities in the community, and behavior in giving care for the elderly. The developed healthcare model, referred to as the DIBE Model, encompasses four main activities including 1) participation in planning/decision-making, 2) implementation through local volunteer buddies, 3) benefit-sharing process, and 4) evaluation and improvement processes. The overall suitability of the model was assessed by experts at a high level. After implementing the healthcare model for the bedridden elderly, the results showed that the caregivers’ average knowledge of elderly care increased significantly (p<0.001), and the elderly’s quality of life improved to a high level. Conclusion: Based on the study results, local administrative organizations should enhance management to address the aging society by promoting knowledge, training caregivers’ skills, and building strong, sustainable networks.