Care of the elderly living at their own home or in the nursing home/health care facilites in the August Town/Hermitage area

ABSTRACT

The world is experiencing an epidemiological transition; people are living longer. As a result, the population is ageing globally. There is a dilemma on how best to care for our elderly especially those 75 and over who it is thought will use up most of the medical services. This study involved 12 elderly from the nursing home/health care facility in August Town and 48 elderly living in their own home representing a total of 60 elderly person 75 years and over. A questionnaire and two observation guides were used to assess the care given in the areas of demographic condition, social, safety, physical, financial and emotional. Findings revealed that the elderly 75 years and older were very funtional especially those living in thier own home and did not need much care from their care-givers. When it was required, most of them were given care. In the nursing home, the elderly usually had children abroad who supported them. These elderly were usually more in firmed. The illnesses were the same throughout osteoarthritis, hypertension and diabetes. One could not conclude where better care was received. Recommendations were made for further research into the subject using a wider population. Also to investigate what happens to the elderly living alone who may be mentally challenged. Policies should be adjusted so that a better financial and by extension quality of life will be attained by the elderly (AU)