CONSTRAINTS IN FAMILY-LIKE CARE IN THAI LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The number of older persons in long term care facilities has dramatically increased as the ageing population escalates in Thailand. Such phenomenon portrays the continuous challenge for the caregivers to meet the complex demands of older person. Despite the existing trend, little attention has been given to the caregiver’s experience in satisfying the holistic needs of older persons. The objective of this study was to explore the caregivers’ experiences of caring for older persons in Thai long term care facilities (1 private, 1 government and 1 non-profit organization). The data were collected using an in-depth interview with 16 caregivers in three selected Thai long term care facilities. The constant comparative analysis technique was used for data analysis. The research results found five themes emerged from the analysis: 1) the accountability of care that demonstrates family-like caring of caregivers who view the older persons as their family members, 2) attempting instrumental care and holistic care by providing daily living care including the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects, 3) resource responsiveness to situations where resources (staffing, funding, and materials) are inadequate and unspecific, 4) death and dying care in accordance with older person’s cultural and religious beliefs and, 5) supporting network for hospital referral and medical check-up. The main caregiver’s experience in caring for older persons was focused on the concept of family-like care. The stakeholders should promote skills enhancement and sustain adequate resources essential for older person in long term care facilities.