Aging in Place: Community Collaboration for the Care of Thai Elderly

Abstract

               With the increasing proportion of older persons in many countries across the globe, including Thailand, various governments have implemented social welfare and social work measures aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. One of the key concepts adopted internationally is the promotion of aging in place, which emphasizes enabling older adults to remain in familiar environments for as long as possible. This approach seeks to support elderly individuals in continuing to reside in their own homes or known surroundings while maintaining their independence and self-care. The academic article titled "Aging in Place: Community Collaboration for the Care of Thai Elderly" aims to explore the application of the aging in place concept within the Thai context. The study employs documentary research through the review of relevant literature, academic texts, and research studies. Findings reveal that Thailand began incorporating this concept into community-based elderly care systems as early as 2002. This was operationalized through collaborative efforts among governmental agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations within communities to support the elderly in living safely and with quality in their own homes. This collaborative model has been reflected in various public sector programs designed under the aging in place framework. However, the successful implementation of the aging in place approach requires the appropriate allocation of resources—including budgetary support, personnel, and infrastructure—as well as effective integration and cooperation across public agencies, private entities, and community-based civil society networks.