Physical Development Guidelines for Elderly Care Homes with Less than 20 Beds of Single House Types in Bangkok

Abstract

Nowadays, Aging society is an issue that many countries are increasingly paying attention to as the proportion of elderly people were continually increasing every year. From progresses in various fields such as medicine, food, and living conditions that are better than in the past. Makes the average life expectancy of the population longer. The World Health Organization has revealed that the number and proportion of people aged 60 years and over is increasing and is likely to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. In Thailand, it has entered the “Complete aged society” in 2022 and it is also estimated that in the next 15 years. Thailand will become a “Super-aged society” when the proportion of the population over 60 years of age increases to 28 percent of the total population this makes the "Elderly care business" continue to grow more than 1.5 times every year. Most projects are usually single houses and located in main provinces and regional provinces. As a result, the researcher was interested in studying the relevant laws for development and factors affecting the development process. Including suggesting ways to develop care facilities suitable for the elderly. The researcher conducted a study of 4 case studies using non-participant observation and in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and practitioners in nursing homes for the elderly. Including interviews with specialists.

The results of this study found that entrepreneurs of nursing homes often choose single houses to develop because they want the residents to have areas for walking, doing activities, and relaxing, which will feel like their own home. As for the physical aspect, found that most of them were done correctly according to the ministerial regulations, Set standards for location, safety, and service in health establishments in the category of caring for the elderly or dependent people, 2020. However, there are some problems and limitations in use, for instance around bathrooms, stairs, ramps, parking, etc. Also, for ease and speed of access support areas should be provided near the elderly living areas. Therefore, the entrepreneurs need to have knowledge and understanding of caring for the elderly and providing an environment suitable for the elderly. In Addition, having to study and verify the accuracy of facilities in the nursing home for the elderly by relevant requirements and laws.