Abstract
Caring for older adults requires a multidisciplinary approach and this includes a primary caregiver and a knowledge of the physiology and epidemiology of aging. The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge of caregivers on ageing-related health conditions at Matero and Chawama old peoples’ homes in Lusaka. A qualitative case study design with a sample size of 12 based on the criteria of theoretical saturation was used. The results showed caregivers’ views on ageing-related health conditions, common ageing-related health conditions seen at both nursing homes, clinic/hospital and nursing home management of these conditions. The challenges faced by caregivers were revealed and they included attitude of the elderly, inadequate equipment, lack of transport, financial challenges, work overload and participant’s characteristics like personal needs, their age and gender influencing caregivers’ work output. Caregivers knew most of the ageing-related health conditions and are knowledgeable on the nursing management of these conditions. There are various things affecting knowledge of caregivers on ageing health and management skills. Various challenges such as financial challenges, lack of transport, and inadequate equipment were also pointed out and are seen to greatly influence the work output of caregivers.
Highlights
Human aging is associated with a wide range of physiological changes that limit normal functions and renders a human being more susceptible to a number of diseases [1, 2]
Results revealed ageing related health conditions which encompassed caregivers’ views on ageing-related health conditions and common ageing related health conditions seen by the caregivers at the nursing homes
They were of the view that some conditions are peculiar to aging and some are most commonly associated with the younger population. They were knowledgeable on some of the conditions that affect men and those that are most commonly associated with women. This was stated by one of the caregivers who said: I know that when people age, they come with certain conditions peculiar to aging like Alzheimer’s or dementia, sexually transmitted diseases is more peculiar to the youth than the aged
Summary
Human aging is associated with a wide range of physiological changes that limit normal functions and renders a human being more susceptible to a number of diseases [1, 2]. Normal age-related changes may be accompanied by chronic health problems such as diabetes or heart disease and the management of many such chronic conditions may increase the complexity of care. Caregivers are essential partners in the delivery of complex health care services. Unlike professional caregivers such as physicians and nurses, informal caregivers provide care to individuals with a variety of conditions, most commonly advanced age [5]. Patients with multiple comorbid conditions such, have intricate treatment protocols that require caregiver involvement, further complicating this already difficult care. Because better treatments have extended the life spans of most patients with chronic illnesses, caregiver involvement often is required for several years [6]
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