Development of a long-term elderly healthcare model through community participation for sustainable well-being: A case study of Samut Songkhram Province

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) examine the health situation and needs of older adults in Samut Songkhram Province, (2) assess community readiness for an aging society, (3) analyze existing elderly care systems, (4) develop a community-based elderly healthcare model, and (5) evaluate its feasibility for implementation. A mixed-methods research design was employed in three phases: Phase 1 analyzed the situation among 397 older adults and 110 stakeholders; Phase 2 developed the model through the Delphi technique with 17 experts; and Phase 3 assessed feasibility among 110 local administrators, community leaders, and public health officers. Results revealed that older adults accounted for 27.3% of the provincial population, exceeding the national average. Although most could live independently, they still faced loneliness, limited healthcare access, and psychological distress. The community showed strong potential in social relations and health promotion but had limitations in environmental, economic, and technological aspects. The synthesized data led to the development of a “Community-Based Elderly Healthcare Model” consisting of five components: (1) management mechanisms, (2) tiered service systems, (3) capacity building and networking, (4) environmental and social adaptation, and (5) information and communication systems. Expert consensus was rated very high (mean 4.40-4.64), and feasibility ranged from moderate to high (mean 3.66-4.06), indicating that the model is both suitable and practical for implementation toward sustainable elderly care through community participation.