ELDERLY HEALTH CARE PATTERNS AND MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE GUIDELINES: A CASE STUDY OF BAN BUNG KLA COMMUNITY, LOM SAK DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the situations, patterns, and medical and public health practices in elderly health care, and to propose a contextually appropriate health care model for Ban Bung Kla Community, Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. A Descriptive Research design was employed, collecting data from 100 elderly participants through a questionnaire, in-depth interview guide, and observation form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that overall elderly health care in the community was rated at a high level (x̄ = 4.16), with family-based care receiving the highest mean score (x̄ = 4.35). The majority of elderly participants reported chronic conditions, with home-based care identified as the highest-rated health need (x̄ = 4.30). Home visits received the highest rating among medical and public health practices (x̄ = 4.45). Based on the synthesis of findings, the "BUNGKLA Elderly Health Care Model" is proposed as a Holistic Care Model encompassing four core dimensions: physical health, mental health, social support, and environmental management, aimed at sustainably enhancing the quality of life of elderly individuals in the community.