Ageing in a changing society, care for the elderly in urban areas

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

This study looks at the care of elderly people in five Old Age Homes (OAHs) in Windhoek. Social change has led to the social institution of family's failure to fulfil its function of elderly care. Elderly care is now outsourced, commercialised and transferred to specialised service institutions of OAH. The question is, does the option of OAHs provide a solution to elderly care in Namibia's urban areas? Methodology involved 100 elderly respondents, stratified into two, and 12 key informants. The most important findings reveal that admission in OAHs is financially, racially/ethnically and at one OAH religious affiliation pre-determined. OAHs are categorised into two: category one comprises of two OAHs in central Windhoek, category two comprises of one OAH in Khomasdal and two in Katutura. Category one OAHs are equipped for provision of typical institutional care but category two OAHs are not. Broader inequalities in Namibian society are reflected in OAHs. Government policy does not support institutionalisation of the elderly. Elderly care requires a multi-disciplinary approach with multifaceted programmes. Main recommendations are that government should encourage and develop indigenous institutions for elderly care that cater for the majority of citizens. MOHSS programmes should incorporate training of elderly care health professionals, and dissemination of information on elderly issues. Countrywide research is required