Abstract
The proportion of elderly in Thailand is 16% of population. At hospital discharge, most of elderly
patients still need helps for their daily living activities. This study aims to explore situation of hospitalization
and having carers during the recovery period at home among elderly people. Study samples
were elderly people (age ≥60 years). Data analyses were based on Health and Welfare Survey 2015
conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO). Sample weight was applied using appropriate statistics
to represent total population. The results showed that total number of hospitalized elders in the year
before was 706,183 persons (7% of all elderly people) higher than other age groups (children 3.5%,
and adult 4.5%). Overall, average length of hospital stay was 5.98 days and average number of days
needed care during recovery period at home was 13.06 days. Of all hospitalized elders, patients under
Universal Coverage (UC) scheme were the largest group, whereby those under Civil Servant Medical
Benefit (CS) scheme accounted for 17.2%. Majority of elderly patients under UC scheme were in very
poor quintile. While majority of elderly patients under CS scheme were in very rich quintile. Average
numbers of days needed care during recovery period among elderly patients in poor and very poor
quintiles were higher than those in other quintiles across all schemes. Approximately 17.7% of elderly
patients did not have caregiver during their recovery period at home and most of them were in very
poor quintile and with small household size (1-2 living persons). Although, 76% of elderly patients
were taken care by someone in their family, most of these patients were in very poor quintiles and
had small household size. The government should realize the importance of continuity of care after
hospitalization in order to provide a better living for elderly patients and their families.
