An Educational, Practice- Orientated Programme For Caregivers Of The Elderly In Old Age Homes In Windhoek And Rehoboth

ABSTRACT

Although normal ageing does not imply disease, the incidence of chronic disease

increases with age. Chronic diseases refer to those illnesses that last three to six

months or more and are usually treatable but not curable, such as arthritis. Another

major problem for elderly people is the prevalence of co-morbidity (several chronic

diseases in one person) which makes treatment and quality of care and life more

difficult. Therefore, caregivers have a major role in coordinating comprehensive

long-term care.

In many instances care for the frail elderly, especially in long-term care institutions,

is provided under minimal supervision by caregivers who are lay people. This can

lead to poor quality care or neglect of the frail elderly. The research questions were:

“How competent the appointed lay people, who are carers for the elderly in old age

homes, but lack the opportunity for training and improving their knowledge and

skills, in delivering care to the elderly.”

The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a supportive

educational programme for caregivers of the elderly in old age homes in Windhoek.

The objectives of the study were identified as the following:

To explore and describe the experiences of the elderly and the caregivers in respect

of nursing care they receive.

To explore and describe the experiences of the caregivers in respect of caring for the

elderly