“It is all About Giving Priority to Older Adults’ Needs:” Challenges of Formal Caregivers in Two Old Age Homes in Ethiopia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: With a growing population needing long-term care in Ethiopia, this study examined the challenges and needs of formal caregivers at two older adult homes. METHODS:A qualitative, exploratory design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to identify 14 formal caregivers and 6 key informants who engaged in in-depth interviews. RESULTS:Formal caregivers assisted older adults with personal care, medication administration, and emotional support. As a result of high workloads, long work hours, an absence of training, and minimal compensation, caregivers faced many challenges including managing older adult'sdifficult behavior, exposure to health hazards, and task burden. The allencompassing demands of caring for older adults in resource-poor environments contributed to negative consequences that spilled over into caregivers' personal lives. DISCUSSION:The capacity of formal caregivers to meet the needs of long term care residents in developing nations can be enhanced through training in geriatric care, adequate compensation, and best practices guidelines in eldercare.

Ethiopian aging policy: A review of existing frameworks in relation to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging

“… No inclusion of data on older persons (both infected and caregivers) in national communicable intervention programmes and reporting statistics 5. Noncommunicable diseases and injuries Noncommunicable diseases and mental health are one component of the health extension programme package under disease prevention and control [ 42 ] [page 57] The Ethiopian national noncommunicable diseases and injuries (NCDI) control programme primarily focused on the prevention of five main risk factors: physical inactivity, unhealthy diet (salt), harmful alcohol consumption, exposure to tobacco smoke as the household air pollution [ 43 ] [page 6–14] Tobacco smoking law is in place, but enforcement is very weak -There are only three substance abuse treatment centers for more than 100 million population of Ethiopia No local products of alcohol control policy and strategy. No comprehensive policies and guidelines for promoting physical activity.…”

“…The Ethiopian national noncommunicable diseases and injuries (NCDI) control programme primarily focused on the prevention of five main risk factors: physical inactivity, unhealthy diet (salt), harmful alcohol consumption, exposure to tobacco smoke as the household air pollution [ 43 ] [page 6–14]…”

Promoting the Well-Being of Older People in Ethiopia: Lost Opportunities Due to the Poverty of Policy

“…A few individuals courageously took the initiative and established nongovernmental centers to address the needs of older people, such as “Mekedonia” and “Kibir le Aregawuyan.” However, such facilities are few in number and low on resources and thus are unable to address the full scale of older adults’ needs ( Dawud et al, 2021 ). With a few exceptions such as HelpAge International-Ethiopia (2016 , 2018 ), most NGOs in Ethiopia focus on supportive activities for children, young people, and women.…”

“…For older adults lacking family support, the Awramba model of community-based care provides an opportunity for rural older adults to be embraced and cared for in a community setting despite any physical or mental limitations ( Adamek & Setegn, 2019 ; Mengesha et al, 2015 ). When long-term care is needed, there are a few existing models in Ethiopia ( Dawud et al, 2021 ), though hardly enough to meet the growing demand for long-term care. Freeman (2023) cautions against adopting Western designs of long-term care systems, and instead recommends developing systems that fit the African context.…”

Reconceptualizing Geriatric Care in a Sub-Saharan African Context

“…Gerontology and geriatrics training in Ghana are limited, but the issues facing the ageing society are enormous due to the limited information available to families. Designing an advanced gerontological system as found in the United States to meet the growing needs of Ghana would be difficult due to the lack of trained professionals and resources [31,32].…”