Exploring positive experiences of primary and secondary caregivers of older persons in resource-limited urban settings in Accra, Ghana

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 17; no. 4; p. e0266269
• Main Authors: Kyei-Arthur, Frank, Codjoe, Samuel Nii Ardey, Badasu, Delali Margaret
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 01.04.2022; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biology and Life Sciences; Burn out (Psychology); Burnout; Care and treatment; Caregivers; Data collection; Family Relations; Ghana; Health aspects; Households; Humans; Incentive (Psychology); Labor market; Medicine and Health Sciences; Older people; Personal grooming; Phenomenology; Population; Poverty; Psychological aspects; Social Sciences; Social Support; Surveys; Urban areas; Urban environments; Ghana; Accra Ghana; Africa
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266269

Family caregivers experience both negative and positive outcomes. However, most studies have mainly focused on the negative outcomes. In addition, few studies have focused on both primary and secondary caregivers. This study explored the positive experiences of primary and secondary caregivers of older persons in resource-limited urban settings in Accra, Ghana. This study used phenomenological design, and thirty-one family caregivers were interviewed in James Town and Ussher Town. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo 10. The findings show that the primary and secondary caregivers derived tangible and intangible rewards from providing care to older persons. The tangible rewards included gifts, while the intangible include blessings, skills acquisition, enhanced personal attributes, family cohesion, and health consciousness. Positive caregiving experiences can mitigate caregivers' burden and burnout. Therefore, policymakers and social workers should design interventions that will enhance the positive experiences of family caregivers. They should also consider the gender and age of caregivers in designing these interventions.