Guidelines for Enhancing Caregiver Empowerment in Elderly Health Management: Professional Responsibilities and Emerging Challenges within an Aging Society

Abstract

Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society, with more than 12 million older adults, accounting for 18.3% of the total population, and projections indicate an increase to 28% by 2030. This demographic shift intensifies the demand for continuous, complex long-term care, particularly as 78% of older adults live with at least one chronic disease and over 30% experience dependency requiring primary caregivers. Many caregivers face insufficient knowledge, skills, and social support, leading to high levels of stress and caregiver burden; evidence shows that 40 - 60% of caregivers experience moderate to severe burden. This article presents the concept of caregiver empowerment based on Gibson’s Empowerment Theory, emphasizing three key dimensions: knowledge and skills, psychological and emotional support, and social and community networks. Strengthening these dimensions enhances caregivers’ confidence, decision - making abilities, and capacity to prevent complications. Professional nurses play essential roles as educators, coordinators, psychological supporters, and community network builders. However, challenges remain, including limited time and workforce, disparities in caregiver capability, and socioeconomic constraints that hinder effective caregiver support. Policy and practice recommendations include establishing standardized caregiver empowerment guidelines, developing educational tools and digital health innovations, implementing systematic screening for caregiver burden, and strengthening community - based caregiver networks. Integrating caregiver empowerment into the national long - term care system and providing socio - economic support for high - burden caregivers are crucial. These efforts will reduce caregiver strain, enhance the well - being of older adults, and reinforce the sustainability of Thailand’s health system amid rapid population aging.