Browsing by Author "University of Ghana College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work"

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    Extended Family Support and Elderly Care in Bamang, Ashanti Region of Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2014-06) Ofori-Dua, K.; Ohene - Konadu, K.; Tonah, S.; Manfu, S. E.
    Social change is causing great transformation in every area of society. The objective of this study was to examine how this transformation is affecting the traditional role of extended family to provide support and care to the elderly in rural Ghana. Bamang; a small rural community in Ashanti Region, was used as research site to collect data for the study. Methodologically, a qualitative research technique was employed, including; face to face interviews and observations as methods for data collection from 60 study participants consisting of 30 elderly persons, 25 caretakers and five opinion leaders. Sampling approach consisted of purposive and snowball techniques. The study revealed that the traditional family is undergoing some transformations; from the traditional extended family to modernized nuclear family. This transformation has unfortunately created a vacuum of social responsibility towards elderly relatives who are in need of support and care. Also, the study found that old age is associated with poverty because of bad economic situation in Bamang which constrained savings against future uncertainties. Further, it was recognized that the living conditions of most participating elderly in the study showed signs of poverty and multiple deprivation. Also acknowledging their low educational background, most of the elderly participants lacked information and access to resources that can be accessed to improve their conditions. The study suggests that there is a great need to decentralize implementation and management of programmes like LEAP to local communities and villages to remove bureaucracy. This will make the program more accessible to many elderly citizens in rural communities.