An educational practice-orientated programme for caregivers of the elderly in old age homes in Windhoek and Rehoboth
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Date
2011
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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 comorbidity (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. To determine the learning needs and support of caregivers in the provision of health care for the elderly To develop an conceptual framework and an educational programme for the caregivers. To implement and evaluate the educational programme for caregivers in old age homes in Windhoek In terms of the research design, a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, contextual and phenomenology design was used to perform this study
The study was conducted in three phases. Firstly a situational analysis was carried out to explore and describe the experiences and needs of the caregivers and the elderly. The situation analysis revealed themes in terms of interpersonal relationships that could be positive or negative regarding the elderly, with the sub-themes like communication, support and caring for elderly people. These themes and subthemes include the following: Interpersonal relationships were viewed as an important aspect of the caring process. Lack of regular in-service training sessions for caregivers, with a subtheme of a lack of adequate knowledge of procedures. Lack of human resources, equipment and policies. In the second phase, a conceptual framework was derived from the results of phase 1, using the activities prescribed by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968). In the third phase, a programme was developed from of the findings of the previous phase. Finally, the educational programme was implemented and evaluated in old age homes in Windhoek
Subsequently, an educational programme was developed from the themes and categories identified by the research. The educational programme consists of three sessions comprising the following learning content:Session 1: Discover the value of good interpersonal relationships Session 2: Improve knowledge and skills of practical procedures in order to improve physical care and proper nutrition Session 3: Guidance given on specific managerial aspects. The programme was implemented, evaluated and adjusted according to the recommendations and findings. Focus group discussions were carried out for the evaluation of the programme. The feedback session with participants would indicate that their responses to the programme were positive and they mentioned that the programme was indeed needed. The intention and hope is that the educational programme will help caregivers of the elderly to be competent and provide quality care. Recommendations were made as a result of the research study: It is recommended that an environment that is conducive to quality care for the elderly be established. The following strategies can be used: Human resources, supervision and support and provision of the necessary equipment
Description
A theses submitted in fullfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Science
Keywords
Geriatric nursing, Old age homes Namibia