Journal of Aging Science

Elderly institutional care and residents perception of the quality of care provided by Mekedonia home for the elderly and mentally disabled in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

3^rd International Conference on Aging & Gerontology

July 18-19, 2018 | Atlanta, USA

Tewodros Habtegiorgis Zikarge

Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Aging Sci

Abstract:

Given the economic advancements and well-being leading people to live longer, older people living in developing nations particularly in Africa are suffering from multi-faceted problems. One of the possible interventions to curb the suffering of the elderly population is an institutional caring system. This intervention is of paramount importance in time of crises like family lose, health complication and poverty-driven street life. Today in Ethiopia, it is becoming a day to day scene to see numerous elders begging in the streets for their living. Although it is in a limited effort and way, there are institutional care schemes in Ethiopia (Segniwork, 2014). This study tries to assess the institutional care provided for the elderly and residents perception of the quality of care provided by Mekedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled. The study used mixed-method approach (a concurrent nested strategy). The survey which was employed in this study was focused on gathering information on the types of care, levels of care and the residentsâ?? perception of the quality of care provided. In addition, in-depth interviews and FGDs( Focus Group Discussions) were conducted with purposively selected residents and key informant interview with key administrative staffs who were in charge of providing care and support, focusing on the available resources and problems associated with care and support. The findings of the study revealed that there are food, clothing, shelter, recreational and health care services that are actually provided by the institution and most sample residents had ranked each service provision as good and excellent. The study also disclosed that there are significant variations in the perceptionsâ?? of residents with regard to the quality of care, in accordance with their disability status and sex. As a result, there is a statistically significant difference between physically abled and disabled respondents in terms of their rating of the quality of care or perception. Physically disabled residents are found to be positive to the quality of care than physically abled residents. Sex also resulted in differential perceptions. Males are found to be positive to the quality of care than females. There is also a statistically significant relationship between respondentâ??s age and duration of stay in the institution and their rating of the quality of care provided. The study also revealed that providing basic services to the neediest elders is the foundation goals of the institutions. And also understands that the service provider has changed the life situation of the resident elders. One of the possible interventions to curb the problems of vulnerable populations (such as elderlies, children and womenâ??s) is an institutional care system. This intervention is of paramount importance in time of crises like family lose, health complication and poverty-driven street-life.