GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY WELFARE SYSTEM TO REDUCE INEQUALITY FOR THE ELDERLY IN UTTARADIT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research utilized a mixed methods approach to: 1) study the operations of
community welfare for the elderly in the Khorum sub-district fund in Phichai district, Uttaradit
province; 2) identify success factors in community welfare provision in Khorum sub-district;
3) synthesize guidelines for developing an integrated community welfare system to reduce
inequality for the elderly in Uttaradit province. The research population consisted of elderly
individuals aged 60 and above who are members of the community welfare fund in Khorum
sub-district, totaling1,696 people.Theresearchersused random sampling toselect324 participants
for quantitative analysis and conducted in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, including the
local administrative organization president, fund leaders, elderly members, health promotion
hospital leaders, volunteer caregivers, and community welfare committee members. The ųndings
revealed: 1. The community welfare operations for the elderly in Khorum sub-district consist of
three models: 1) social insurance, 2) social services, 3) social assistance. The fund provides
comprehensive welfare covering ten areas, catering to all age groups and vulnerable populations,
including children, youth, working-age individuals, the elderly, disabled individuals, and those
affected by disasters within social, cultural, and economic contexts. 2. Success factors in the
community welfare fund’s operations encompass seven aspects: 1) community context,
2)networking,3) collaboration,4) acceptance,5) government policies,6) budget, and 7) leadership.
3. Guidelines for developing an integrated community welfare system to reduce inequality for the
elderly in Uttaradit province include: 1) empowering key leaders, 2) enhancing fund regulations to
meet community needs across all dimensions, 3) strengthening networks both within and outside
the community, 4) promoting public relations, and 5) encouraging participation at all levels. These
ųve guidelines lead to collaborative practices within the community welfare fund involving all
stakeholders in Uttaradit province.