DEVELOPMENT OF A NETWORK FOR CARING FOR THE ELDERLY USING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES IN PHETCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. study the general conditions of older persons care based on Buddhist principles in Phetchaburi Province; 2. examine the process of developing a network for older persons care based on Buddhist principles; and 3. propose a model for developing a network for older persons care based on Buddhist principles in Phetchaburi Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, including qualitative research involving interviews with 17 key informants and a workshop seminar with 25 participants. The research instrument was an interview form. Key informants were selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.

The findings revealed that 1. The general conditions of older persons care comprised: 1) strengths, including the presence of agencies responsible for older persons care, such as Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals and agencies under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; 2) weaknesses, including the weakening of family institutions and a shortage of personnel providing care for older persons; 3) opportunities, including improved standards of older persons care in healthcare and welfare; and 4) threats, including caregivers’ lack of appropriate skills, increasing costs of older persons care, and unsuitable housing and environmental conditions. 2. The process of developing an older persons care network comprised: 1) Kayabhavana (physical development), emphasizing physical well-being and compassion toward older persons; 2) Silabhavana (behavioral development), fostering positive relationships between caregivers and older persons; 3) Cittabhavana (mental development), appropriately strengthening positive relationships within the community; and 4) Paññabhavana (wisdom development), providing activities that enable older persons to practice meditation and develop wisdom to understand life as it truly is. 3. The model for developing an older persons care network consisted of seven dimensions: 1) nutrition, promoting appropriate diets for older persons; 2) physical mobility, promoting exercise for older persons in the community; 3) elimination, providing caregivers with training in assisting older persons with elimination needs; 4) prevention of household accidents, implementing programs to reduce accidents among older persons; 5) infection and chronic disease management, establishing collaborative networks among hospitals and communities; 6) mental health, organizing relaxation and well-being activities in collaboration with public and private sectors; and 7) environment, providing safe walkways, clean living spaces, adequate lighting, appropriate temperatures, and green spaces.