Opportunities and Challenges of Home- Based Care and Support for Older Persons in West BelessaWoreda, Arbaya, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on types and extent of home-based care and support provided to elders, main challenges and coping strategies as the main objective. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the opportunities and challenges of home -based care and support for older persons in West Belesa Woreda of North Gondar, Ethiopia. Most studies indicate that family-based care as well as faith based care and support has been an age old practices across different countries. However, much has not been said about home-based care and support situation in the Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative approach was used that would involve content, in-depth interviews and case study Discussion with purposively selected older persons. In the study area in addition, key informant interview was also conducted with administrative staffs that are in charge of providing care and support, for the older persons in the study area. In the study area mainly concerned with home-based care and support practice, types of care and support, challenges of psycho-social care services and coping mechanism provided with sample residents reported that the extent of service provisions were reported as good and excellent. The study would be important for programs working with elderly persons especially family based social work practices and interventions.