Assessment of Palliative Care Needs for Dependent Elderly: Perspectives of Relatives and Elderly Caregivers in Nabon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
Keywords:
Palliative care, Caregivers, Dependent elderlyAbstract
This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to: 1) assess the satisfaction and needs of relatives regarding palliative care for dependent elderly, and 2) evaluate the knowledge, skills, and palliative care needs of elderly caregivers in Nabon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The sample included 55 relatives and caregivers of dependent elderly. Data were collected using interviews and a questionnaire assessing elderly care skills. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results revealed that relatives' overall satisfaction with palliative care for dependent elderly was at a very good level. The important needs are: 1) having caregivers, or staff visit the elderly at home, and assess complications regularly monthly, 2) receiving knowledge of complications prevention from staff, 3) having rights to disability benefits, and comprehensive treatment according to the elderly's needs. Regarding palliative care for elderly caregivers, the results indicated that their knowledge of palliative care was at a moderate and high level, 52.7% and 43.6%, respectively. Majority (92.7%) had a good level of palliative care skills for dependent elderly. The caregivers’s needs included receiving more benefits and compensation, receiving more support on necessary care equipment, and increasing opportunities for up-to-date continuing eduation and experiences for palliative care.
Therefore, to improve palliative care for dependent elderly, relevant agencies in the primary healthcare system should provide training for continuing education and skills for the caregivers through appropriate learning platforms and allocate appropriate benefits according to their roles and responsibilities.
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