Exploring The Experiences Of Elderly Persons Cared For By Family Caregivers In Adusa Village

ABSTRACT The aged population is fast increasing and the growth rate is relatively high in developing countries. Majority of elderly persons are cared for by family caregivers, hence knowledge on elderly abuse, as they are cared for by family caregivers is significant, since abuse is a pervasive public health issue and may significantly add to the health, social and financial strains of elderly persons. Knowledge on elderly abuse will help individuals to better care for elderly persons and also appreciate them. Ghanaians will also see the need to cultivate the habit of saving, including having some form of insurance to secure the future. This study explored abuse of elderly persons cared for by family caregivers in Adusa village. The views and opinions of twenty elderly persons between the ages of 60 and 95 years cared for by family caregivers in Adusa village were solicited. Three main types of elderly abuse namely; verbal, neglect and disrespect were identified. These types were however prompted by factors which include ill health of the elderly person and/or poverty. The elderly persons from the study adopted coping strategies when being abused namely; reliance on God, avoidance attitude, drinking water, social interaction and taking to occupation. Over all, the findings of the research recommend that since poverty is a factor that prompts elderly abuse, policies aimed at socioeconomic empowerment of people in the communities such as Microfinance and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) will impact positively, especially on the lives of family caregivers, which will help curb or reduce elderly abuse. Social workers are to encourage individuals to save during their youthful years and also to maintain healthy family ties.