Psychosocial Challenges of Caring For the Elderly: A Study of Family Caregivers in Enugu Urban, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Aging is often accompanied by chronic illness and continuous deterioration of mental and physical independence. This makes care giving necessary, complex and challenging. The objective of the study was to identify those social, economic and psychological changes facing family caregivers. The objective of this study was to identify those social, economic and psychological challenges facing family care givers in Enugu urban. A cross sectional survey was conducted in three LGAs in Enugu State. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of enquiry, a total of 372 purposively selected respondents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide (IDI). The quantitative data was analyzed using and presented using percentages and descriptive analysis. The qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results showed that majority (66.18%) of the caregivers were females. Caregiving of the elderly is associated with social, psychological and economic challenges therefore inclusive social policies, economic incentives and psychosocial support is strongly recommended.