A SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAMME WITH INFORMAL CAREGIVERS TO PREVENT ELDER ABUSE

Authors

  • Janetta Ananias Department of Human Sciences: Section Social Work, University of Namibia
  • Herman Strydom Department of Social Work, School of Psychosocial and Behavioural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus
  • Suria Ellis Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2415-5829/363

Keywords:

support group, informal caregivers, older person, abuse, neglect, prevent

Abstract

The article aims to describe an evaluation on the effectiveness of a support group with informal caregivers of older people in an urban and rural community setting in Namibia. The support group programme equipped informal caregivers with knowledge on aging and caregiving. In addition, coping skills and support were offered to the informal caregivers. Standardised measuring instruments that assessed the outcome of the group at pre-test, post-test and postponed post-test were the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Potentially Harmful Behaviour (PHB) scale. The Group Engagement Measure (GEM) assessed the group processes at the fourth, sixth and eighth group sessions. Results indicated that rural caregivers experienced more burden than urban caregivers. Generally, potential harmful behaviour has decreased significantly. Caregivers from the urban group were more engaged in the group process than the rural group. Support group interventions indeed contributed positively towards community care of older people.  Implications for social work practice are discussed.

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References

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Published

2015-08-01

How to Cite

Ananias, Janetta, Herman Strydom, and Suria Ellis. 2015. “A SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAMME WITH INFORMAL CAREGIVERS TO PREVENT ELDER ABUSE”. Southern African Journal of Social Work and Social Development 27 (2):220-45. https://doi.org/10.25159/2415-5829/363.

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Section

Articles
Received 2015-08-01
Accepted 2015-08-01
Published 2015-08-01