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

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Abstract

With a growing older population needing long-term care in Ethiopia, this study examined the challenges and needs of formal caregivers at two older adult homes. 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. 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 adults’ difficult behavior, exposure to health hazards, and task burden. The all-encompassing demands of caring for older adults in resource-poor environments contributed to negative consequences that spilled over into caregivers’ personal lives. 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 practice guidelines for long term care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia

    Meriem Dawud

  2. School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Messay Gebremariam Kotecho

  3. Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Messay Gebremariam Kotecho

  4. Indiana University School of Social Work, Indiana, USA

    Margaret E. Adamek

Authors
  1. Meriem Dawud
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  2. Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
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  3. Margaret E. Adamek
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Correspondence to Margaret E. Adamek.

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There was no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent

All research participants provided informed consent to be interviewed. Participants were informed that they did not have to answer any questions they chose not to answer. They were aware that they could stop the interview at any time. All participants agreed to have their interviews audio-recorded.

Research Involving Human Participants

Research participants were adults age 18 or over who were employees at one of two age old homes in Addis Ababa The study objectives and data collection methods were explained to all participants. Participants agreed to be interviewed in a private office at their work place.

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Dawud, M., Kotecho, M.G. & Adamek, M.E. “It is all About Giving Priority to Older Adults’ Needs:” Challenges of Formal Caregivers in Two Old Age Homes in Ethiopia. Ageing Int 47, 847–865 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-021-09436-8

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