Abstract
Objective: Aging is natural process which unique occurred in the old age population. This study aims to examine the elderly needs and health problems in perspective of the family care givers in the community. Methods: The qualitative study was conducted using the in-depth interview with the family caregiver who experiences to care the elderly for more than 1 year, age 18 and over year of age in Municipality of Udon Thani Province, Thailand. The in-depth interview guideline was reviewed by experts and triangulation and content analysis was used. Results: This study in-depth interviewed with 5 family caregivers due to the data saturated. The results showed needs and health problems of the elderly into 3 themes; the health problems of the elderly were needed to care by the family caregivers which inadequate of knowledge to care, in corrected practice and less awareness on self care for the elderly. The health problems were fall into both physical and mental and some of the elderly enable in practicing activities of daily living and decreasing for social activities. This study also found the gratitude of their children is one of the elderly need which is a key of a strong family caregivers to take care of their elderly members although in their busy part. Conclusion: This study reveals the elderly needs and health problems depend on health condition of the elderly. Elderly care knowledge training was needed for family caregiver and enhancing in attitude for gratitude in family is also needed.
Author Information
Umaporn Kensila, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Piyathida Kuhirunyratn, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
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