Learning needs of caregivers of older persons in residential care facilities in rural South Africa: Unveiling unrealistic expectations
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Marais, Cecilia
Van Jaarsveldt, Deirdre Elizabeth
Spies, Cynthia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Introduction: The complexity of the caring needs of older persons in residential care facilities pose challenges for
which South African caregivers were found to be underprepared. Their inadequate education and training led to
varied quality of care, caregiver stress and burnout. The need was consequently identified to explore and describe
the learning needs of caregivers working in residential care facilities in a resource limited setting.
Methods: An explorative case study was undertaken and the multiple perspectives of stakeholders within the
geographical context were elicited by use of four nominal groups and a small group interview.
Results: Following a content analysis, the topics of basic nursing skills, hygiene, Alzheimer’s disease, medication,
communication, rights, and responsibilities, as well as staff monitoring, and evaluation were identified.
Conclusion: Most of the learning needs were beyond the expected caregiver tasks stipulated by the South African
Qualifications Authority. The authors question the unrealistic expectations set before these caregivers.
Description
Keywords
Caregiver education, case study, older persons, learning needs, residential care facilities
Citation
Marais, C., van Jaarsveldt, D. E., & Spies, C. (2023). Learning needs of caregivers of older persons in residential care facilities in rural South Africa: Unveiling unrealistic expectations. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 19 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2023.100601