The Circumstances and Needs of Developing The Competencies of Caregivers in Elderly Care or Dependent Care Facilities

Abstract

           This research aimed to 1) study the conditions and problems with the competency of caregivers; 2) identify competency gap of current and expect of the caregivers in elderly care or dependent care facilities; and 3) provide guideline in developing competency of caregiver in elderly care or dependent care facilities. The researcher used integrated research methods, both quantitative and qualitative research. Samples in the quantitative study were 169 locations from questionnaire responses selected by the use of Krejcie & Morgan method. Qualitative research was done by using in-depth interviews with 19 key informants selected by purposive sampling. Statistics used for data analysis were mean, standard Deviation, PNI modified and content analysis.
          Results indicated that 1) The caregivers in elderly care or dependent care facilities must complete a 420-hour elderly care course and must be registered with the Department of Health Service Support. Problems in work were found to include a lack of knowledge, skills and work stress. Moreover, the number of caregivers is insufficient to meet demand. 2) The gap between the actual and expected competencies of caregivers in elderly care or dependent care facilities and development priorities was found that the actual performance level was different from the expected performance. The expected competencies level is higher than the actual competencies level, both overall, core competencies, and competencies in the work performed. In order of the necessary development needs are as follows: No. 1 controlling emotions and managing stress. No. 2 being ethically responsible. No. 3 having knowledge and understanding about the elderly. 3) Management guidelines for developing the competencies of caregivers in elderly care or dependent care facilities include 3 approaches: 1. Providing personnel with appropriate qualifications to perform the job. 2. Developing the competencies of caregivers by strengthening ethical responsibility, controlling emotions and managing stress. and 3. Developing the competencies of caregivers by enhancing knowledge and care for the elderly.