Thesis
An ethnography of Ban Bangkae : a home for the aged in Bangkok, Thailand
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
1999
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Abstract
The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore, describe and interpret the meaning of health, nursing and culture in Ban Bangkae: a home for the aged in Bangkok, Thailand. The strengths and weaknesses of the delivery of nursing care were also identified in order to apply positive aspects of the model to other homes for the aged.
Data collection involved an observer-participation process with formal and informal interviews, field notes, photographs and supplementary data sources. Fourteen residents, a registered nurse, three practical nurses, two social workers, a warden, and two carers joined in this study as 'informants'. The data were analysed throughout the study, including staying close to the original data to depict the informants' words and their stories, identifying key factors and relationships among the information, and sorting the information which the culture of Ban Bangkae, according to the project's objectives. Also, content analysis was utilised to inductively derive patterns or themes from the data.
Residents indicated that the beginning of the old age was at 70 years because they related age to health. They mainly agreed that health involved a strong and fit body and mind. Nursing services in Ban Bangkae were organised by four nurses, who provided 24-hour nursing care, especially for the ill residents. The nurses' responsibilities varied and they focussed on health care and the residents' well-being. Nurses sometimes took the role of physiotherapist, psychologist, social worker and even pharmacist to prepare medication for residents. In addition, the findings suggested nurses would preferred their own authority to manage their jobs without involving other colleagues. Also, nurses agreed that a medical sector in the Department of Public Welfare was needed to organise the more appropriate health services for the residents. Residents appreciated the nursing service, and they agreed that nursing care was adequate for them.
The culture of Ban Bangkae revolved around daily rituals. The residents mainly had similar rituals including waking up about 5.00 or 6.00 am, giving some food to the monks, exercising, doing some work in the Occupational Room, joining some activities, enjoying recreation, and having meals. Most of them were happy with the services Ban Bangkae provided for them and in spending their lives there. However, residents identified some issues, including early dinner times, the taste of the food and its repeated menu. Also some residents felt uncomfortable living with other people and joining in activities. Sometimes different opinions on issues culminated in arguments between residents.
The staff tried their best to manage their work in order to make the residents' lives in Ban Bangkae as happy as possible. They wanted residents to consider Ban Bangkae as their own home and for them to be content, as it was probably their last earthly abode.
Details
- Title
- An ethnography of Ban Bangkae : a home for the aged in Bangkok, Thailand
- Creators
- Sakul Changmai
- Contributors
- Bev Taylor (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- vii, 382
- Identifiers
- 991012931100302368
- Copyright
- © Sakul Changmai 1999
- Academic Unit
- School of Health and Human Sciences; Nursing
- Resource Type
- Thesis