Care of the Aged in Contemporary Ghana

Abstract

The population of Ghana and the world at large is not only growing but it is also greying. This increase in the number of senior citizens has come with its accompanying challenges and this has placed it on the world’s agenda. The growing number of older persons in Ghana, a country which valued norms of reciprocity and filial piety, has brought about new forms of elder care because of the decline in extended family support. This research project used qualitative methodology specifically in-depth and semi-structured interviews with older residents of Mercy Home and members of Help Age to understand the normative values and expectations of what constitutes quality care for the elderly and how caregiving affects quality of life. It explored the perceptions of both caregivers and the elderly about emerging forms of caregiving arrangements. Challenges faced by caregivers in providing quality care for the elderly was also explored. Findings from the study revealed that older persons expect caregivers to assist them with activities of daily living. Participants cited disability status, location of children, finance, values and availability of caregivers as factors determining caregiving method adopted. All participants believed caregiving impacts quality of life. Additionally, challenges faced by caregivers ranged from financial to emotional and physical. This study contributes to literature by providing qualitative insight into the normative values and expectations of older persons.