Perceived Knowledge and Attitude of Social Workers Towards the Elderly in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2021-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin
Abstract
Abstract
Ageing does not only change how people look, it changes how they think, behave and
the functions of their body system. Even though, many elderly people experience a lot
during this stage, social workers who work in care agency like geriatric homes are
expected to be aware of some of the challenges during old age. This study investigates
the major challenges that faced the elderly. In addition, the study also investigates the
perceived knowledge and attitudes of social workers towards the elderly in Ilorin,
Kwara state. Eleven participants who are social workers working in geriatric homes
were purposively selected for the study. Data collected was analysed using thematic
analysis. The study found stroke, memory loss, ageism, isolation and resource
mobilization as the part of the perceived experience of elderly people. The traditional
emphasis on family-centered care is fast becoming a relic of the past because of
changes in family dynamics. The study recommends that there is need for government
at all level to establish geriatric hospitals where the interdisciplinary team including
the social workers who have a clear understanding of older people's challenges will be
employed. Lastly, the paper concluded that there is little or no effort from governments
to support geriatric institutions in Kwara state.
Description
Keywords
Ageing, Ageism, Attitude, Knowledge, Elderly, Social worker