Development of a Daycare Center Service Model for the Elderly through Community Participation: An Action Research Approach

Introduction: This study aimed to develop a service model for daycare centers for the elderly through community participation using participatory action research methods. The objectives were threefold: (1) to investigate the current situation of the elderly in the community and their needs for daycare center services, (2) to develop a daycare center for the elderly with active community involvement, and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the service delivery at the daycare center for the elderly. Methods: The study was conducted in Ban Kho Sub district, Phon Sawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Research participants included 210 elderly individuals surveyed to assess their situation, and 15 key informants, including elderly club leaders, sub district health promotion hospital staff, volunteers, sub district administrative organization officers, and village health volunteers, were specifically selected for in-depth insights. The research process was structured into three phases: Phase 1 focused on studying the situation of the elderly in the community and their service needs; Phase 2 was dedicated to developing the daycare center with community participation; and Phase 3 involved evaluating the service delivery of the daycare center. Results: The results indicated that the development process of the daycare center service model for the elderly, through community participation, involved four key mechanisms: elderly clubs, sub district health promotion hospitals, volunteer teachers or technicians, and village volunteers. Additionally, the supporting mechanisms included academic institutions, hospitals, temples, village heads, the Non-Formal Education Center, foundations, and the sub district administrative organization. The comprehensive service model encompassed five components: health, social, psychological, economic, and environmental aspects. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a daycare center service model for the elderly through community participation, which can be expanded and adapted to other semi-urban and semi-rural contexts. This model demonstrates the importance of community involvement in providing holistic care for the elderly, addressing various aspects of their well-being.