Psychological Effects of Institutional Care for the Older Persons: A Study at Kibre Aregawyan Megbare Senay Derejet (KAMSD)
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2016-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore what psychological effects result from the institutionalized care on the resident elders of Kibre Aregawian Megbare Senay Derejet through understanding their lived experiences in the institution. The study also intends to find out how the care provided results in these problems and the coping mechanisms the elders use when they encounter these problems. This was achieved through the following research questions: What are the psychological problems of elders caused by the care given at the institution? How does the care provided in KAMSD result these problems? How do the elders in KAMSD cope up with these problems?
The qualitative research method was employed to understand the matter under examination. Data of the study were collected through semi structured interview. Elders, care takers and others who are in charge of caring for the elders were the sources of the data. The elders who are the major sources of the data were selected using purposive sampling. The selection was conducted by using a set of selection criteria. The data collected was analysed using content analysis. Results from the study indicate that there are at least four psychological effects namely low self-esteem, loss of control, depression and situational stress. The findings for the second question were institutionalization, dependency and lack of physical activities and loneliness as causes for the problems in question number one. Reading, sleeping and other types of coping mechanisms were included for the findings in question number three. The study finally recommends the attention from policy makers to be high towards the psychological problems resident elders encounter during their old ages in care centres. Social workers are expected to work closely with the elders and advocate for the better life quality of elders living in institutions. As future areas of research researchers can take each psychological problem mentioned in this study and make further detailed studies
Description
Keywords
Social Work