Development of Service System for Elderly Adults Living Alone Through Buriram Community Participation

Abstract

Demographic shifts have resulted in a growing population of elderly adults and an increasing number of elderly individuals residing alone. This research aims to develop a service system for elderly individuals living alone with community participation. The study aims to investigate the situation of elderly individuals living alone, create a service model for them, and evaluate the effectiveness of the service system with community participation in Buriram Province. The sample comprised 100 elderly individuals selected using the Sarantakos method, a straightforward sampling approach. The research instrument utilized was a questionnaire encompassing sections for general information, assessment of favorable health conditions, access to healthcare, satisfaction with the service system, and data analysis conducted through mean, percentage, standard deviation, t-test, and content analysis. The findings revealed that elderly individuals living independently encounter the following challenges: access to adequate food, engagement in physical activity, ensuring sufficient rest, addressing smoking habits, managing excretion, coping with stress, and maintaining overall stability in life. On the network side, there are frequent changes in the personnel responsible for elderly care, resulting in intermittent services. They lack confidence in their job skills. The collective health status of elderly individuals residing independently is notably low, with a mean of 1.91 and a standard deviation of 0.45. Nevertheless, their health-related behaviors demonstrate a moderate level of adherence, indicated by a mean of 3.15 and a standard deviation of 0.10. Developing a service system for elderly individuals living alone involved four essential processes: problem analysis, service design, development outcomes, reflection on practice, and assessment of the model's suitability for the elderly service system. The overall satisfaction with the system was notably high, with a mean of 4.70 and a standard deviation of 0.50. Elderly individuals residing alone expressed a significantly high level of satisfaction with the model (Mean=4.44, S.D.=0.70). Moreover, the network partners exhibited a statistically notable enhancement in their knowledge and proficiency in tending to elderly individuals living alone after implementing the model (p<0.05). The study findings can be utilized to strategically plan, monitor, provide care, prevent diseases, and promote the well-being of the elderly within the community.