Learning needs of caregivers of older persons in residential care facilities: an explorative case study
Loading...
Date
2020-12
Authors
Marais, Cecilia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Caregivers play a prominent role in rendering basic care to older persons in residential care facilities, whose needs are intricate and unpredictable. Yet, caregivers were found to be underprepared, especially in rural areas of the Northern Cape province in South Africa. Substandard education, training and the absence of formal in-service training programmes contribute to varied quality of care, as well as caregiver stress and burnout. Therefore the question arose: What are the learning needs of caregivers of older persons in residential care facilities in two sub-districts of the Northern Cape province? Guided by constructivism, knowledge was socially constructed by incorporating the perspectives of various role players. In accordance with the research question and the need to obtain multiple perspectives within a particular geographical context, an explorative case study design was applied. Data were collected by means of four respective nominal groups with caregivers and family members of residents, as well as a small group interview with the registered nurses working at three facilities. During data analysis the different data sets were individually analysed and then consolidated. Eight main categories of learning needs were identified, namely: basic nursing skills, hygiene, Alzheimer’s disease, medication, communication, rights and responsibilities, as well as staff monitoring and evaluation. Many of the suggested learning needs were, however, beyond the expected tasks of caregivers set by the South African Qualifications Authority unit standard for the provision of care to a frail person. The ignorance of the caregivers with regard to essential aspects such as their rights and job description revealed unfair labour practices. Ethics of employment emerged from the findings as underlying theme with unrealistic work expectations and a power disadvantage as subthemes. A formal in-service training programme addressing the learning needs, appropriate for the caregivers’ expected level of functioning could enrich the quality of their caring for older persons in the particular residential care facilities. Action should also be taken to address the emerging issues affecting both the caregivers and quality of care rendered to older persons in this setting. Further, larger scale research could cast light on the research issue in other contexts and ostensibly inform policy development in this regard.
Description
Keywords
Dissertation (M.Soc.Sc. (Nursing))--University of the Free State, 2020, Learning needs, Caregivers, Older persons, Residential care facilities, Northern Cape province