Exploring caregivers' perspectives on improving care for older people at the end of life in Thailand.
BACKGROUND
Older people in Thailand receive general medical and social care at the end of life, and many rarely access palliative services. In light of this, improving the quality of care for the ageing population relies on addressing the needs of family caregivers, who provide the majority of care in a home setting. Understanding caregivers' perspectives when caring for a friend or relative will help to improve the quality of care that they provide.


AIM
To explore caregivers' perspectives on improving care for older people in Thailand in the palliative stage.


METHODS
A qualitative study using in-depth interviews and observation of 10 older people in the palliative stage and their caregivers was undertaken. Data were analysed using content analysis.


FINDINGS
Data analysis revealed three themes: caregivers cared to repay the older person's previous kindness, caregivers cared and changed their caregiving behaviour to minimise the older person's perception of being abandoned or being a burden, and to follow Thai ancestral traditions, so that the older person could die peacefully.


CONCLUSION
This study provides specific instructions for those who provide care for older Thai people in the palliative stage. Finding ways to address caregivers' perspectives on improving care quality could enhance the experience of care recipients.
['Supaporn|Kanyanat|K|', 'Isaramalai|Sang-Arun|SA|', 'Suttharangsee|Wandee|W|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D017028:Caregivers D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D010166:Palliative Care D036301:Qualitative Research D058996:Quality Improvement D011787:Quality of Health Care D013727:Terminal Care D013785:Thailand
Caregiver Perspective Improving care Older people Palliative care