The unmet needs of older people in Nsawam, Ghana
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Social Care in the Community
Abstract
Although healthy life expectancy is projected to be increasing among older people,
in Ghana, a high proportion of older people will live with functional disabilities, warranting their need for long-term care. We explored the expressions used
by older people to describe their needs and preferences of care and support. Using the
descriptive-qualitative approach, 14 older people were engaged via semi-structured
interviews, and the data were analysed thematically. The study found that older people desired decent accommodation, preferential healthcare, adequate nutrition, and
an opportunity to interact with their peers at social functions. A provision of sufficient financial assistance, adequate healthcare, the periodic organisation of social and
group events for older people, and the availability of home care and support could
help older people address these needs. The paper reveals the need for interventional
research on how a model incorporating social, health and environmental factors even
during a pandemic can address older people's varying needs
Description
Research Article
Keywords
functional ability, preferential healthcare, unmet needs of older people