Models Of Institutional Care For The Elderly In Namibia With A Case Study Of Sweden

Abstract

The Namibian family has always cared for elderly people, but it is beginning to fail due to modernisation factors. Institutionalisation of elderly people is becoming another form of elderly care in Namibia. The question arises as to what model of institutional care is appropriate for the majority of elderly Namibians.

Modernisation factors such as urbanisation and changing family structures, for example nuclearisation of families, weaken the extended family; contribute to changing attitudes and adoption of new ideas in society. Thus modernisation theory of ageing is used to explain what model of OAH would be appropriate for the majority of elderly Namibians.

This thesis investigates institutional care for the elderly in Khomas, Erongo, Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions of Namibia; determines what socio-economic factors influence levels and types of care given to the elderly, and assesses areas for improvement. Objectives of the study are: to assess attitudes of the elderly towards institutionalisation; to determine an appropriate model of OAH; and to assess the welfare policy vis-à-vis operation of OAHs. The hypothesis is that ‘socio-economic factors in the Namibian society determine levels and types of care given to the elderly and necessitate a model of institutional care that is adapted to local conditions’. The methodology involved administering a questionnaire to 238 elderly respondents, conducting thirty-one key informant interviews and collecting four elderly case studies. A case study of elderly care in Sweden forms part of the literature study.

Major findings indicate five models of OAHs operating in the study areas. Economic factors determine how the models have evolved and how they operate. Attitudes are changing towards acceptance of OAHs but to target the elderly without families. Model III OAH supported by the municipality presents the most appropriate attributes as an alternative to family care. Other possibilities exist, such as assisted living, but are not operated in Namibia.

Factors determining levels and types of care include family care; the elderly’s financial status, the model of OAH; caregiver training and support; information dissemination; gender-related care; social policy and government support. Main conclusions include a need to support the family to continue its eldercare role; caregiver support and training; improvement of the elderly’s financial status; and information dissemination. Recommendations include promotion of family elderly care, municipal involvement in the operation of OAHs and periodic studies to update information on conditions of the elderly so as to aid policy and programme formulation.