THE DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS WITH IMPORTANT MECHANISMS OF THAI PUBLIC HEALTH IN CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This academic paper aims to study the development of village health volunteers with an important mechanism of Thai public health in caring for the elderly people by using the method of studying documents related to the work of public health organizations, academic papers and related researches. The results of the study showed that in terms of public health development, primary health care programs have been established in villages across the country in order to reduce social inequality, recruitment and selection of village health volunteers (VHVs). There are also tasks related to the care of the elderly, including 1) home visits and care for the elderly at home and primary health care, by examining the health conditions of the elderly and refer them to appropriate agencies in case they require additional treatment; and 2) promoting and assisting in caring for the elderly in daily life, such as taking care of health, bathing, cooking and moving. Promoting appropriate activities for the elderly and development of village health volunteers can be done by carrying out appropriate training and skill development activities related to caring for the elderly. Such mechanisms play an important role in helping VHVs’ performance which helps reducing health problems of the elderly and risk factors in that community area, including improving the conducive environment for good health. The establishment of social measures enhance people to change their behaviors for the better health.