1.1 Introduction
As the global population ages, the care and management of elderly persons' conditions become increasingly paramount. Health workers, comprising a diverse range of professionals such as nurses, doctors, therapists, and caregivers, play a pivotal role in addressing the complex needs of older adults. According to Ayres (2008), care of the elderly is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. It covers such services as assisted living, adult day care, hospice care and home care. Elderly care emphasizes the social and personal requirements of senior citizens who need some assistance with daily activities and health care, but who desire to age with dignity. The care of the elderly is multidimensional and these include physical, emotional, spiritual and social care (Ayres, 2008).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study, Research Questions and Hypothesis and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The global demographic shift towards an aging population has brought forth unprecedented challenges in healthcare, particularly in the care and management of elderly persons' conditions. With advancements in medical technology and improved standards of living, people are living longer, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related health issues. This demographic trend underscores the urgent need to examine the role of health workers in addressing the specific healthcare needs of the elderly.
Health workers, encompassing various professionals such as physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and caregivers, are at the forefront of delivering care to elderly individuals. Their roles extend beyond mere medical interventions to encompass holistic approaches that consider the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of aging. Understanding the nuanced contributions of health workers in this context is crucial for optimizing elderly care and enhancing health outcomes.
Ageing is the accumulation of changes in a person over time (Bowen and Atwood 2004). It involves a multidimensional process of physical, psychological and social change. Some dimensions of aging grow and expand over time, while others decline. Research shows that even in late life, potentials exist for physical, mental and social growth and development (Papalia, Sterns, Feldman, and Camp, 2002). It is not a disease; but phase of life where there is retrograde biological process in growth and development which leads to decreased powers for survival and adjustment. Aging is an important part of all human societies reflecting the biological changes that occur and also reflecting cultural and societal convention.
An estimated 100,000 people worldwide die each day of age related causes (Aubrey de Grey, 2007). According to National Population Commission (NPC, 2006), persons who are old enough to receive pension who are between ages of 60-65 years are regarded as the elderly. The elderly are classified by age into young old for those aged 60-74years, middle old for those aged 75-84years, old for those aged 85-94 years and oldest old for those 95years and above. (Barman, Snyder, Kozier & Erb , 2008).
In most developing countries including Nigeria the population of the elderly is increasing rapidly but the government does not seem to be making any major commitments to elderly healthcare (Adio-Moses, 2001). The government is still assuming that families should take care of their elderly without recognizing that the extended family system is at the verge of collapse.
Currently most families find it difficult to manage their own homes and face their challenges. This is gradually leading to neglect and abuse of the elderly (Gubrium, 2002). Care of the elderly requires adequate knowledge of the ageing process, nutrition and daily needs of the elderly. In Nigeria, marginalization of the elderly especially in their care is a common episode (Abdulraheem & Parakoyi, 2005). Those involved in the provision of health care have important roles to play in programmes relating to elderly care especially in screening and detecting abuse.
Unfortunately doctors do not diagnose abuse because it is not part of their formal or professional training hence does not feature in their list of differential diagnosis (Donatelle, 2011). The health worker, according to Abdulrahem & Parakoyi (2005) plays major roles in determining and implementing desirable standards of health care, acting as a professional in developing core of professional knowledge and should have ability to impart same to others. They are often the providers of services designed to maintain health and prevent illness. Research has also shown that the quality of health care service provided to older population is strongly influenced by care givers attitude towards older people (Gallaghar, Bennet & Halford, 2006). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to explore the multifaceted impact of health workers on the care and management of elderly persons' conditions, highlighting their contributions, challenges, and potential solutions.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the growing elderly population poses a significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide, exacerbating the shortage of skilled health workers trained in geriatric care. Also, many health workers lack comprehensive training and education in gerontology, resulting in suboptimal care practices and a limited understanding of age-related conditions and their management.
Additionally, the demanding nature of caring for elderly individuals, coupled with high patient volumes and limited resources, contributes to workforce burnout and stress among health workers, compromising the quality of care provided. Furthermore, elderly persons from marginalized communities face disproportionate health inequities and barriers to accessing healthcare services, further exacerbating disparities in care provision by health workers. Addressing these critical issues is essential for enhancing the impact of health workers on the care and management of elderly persons' conditions and ultimately improving the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The main aim of the study is to comprehensively investigate the impact of health workers on the care and management of elderly persons’ conditions, with the goal of enhancing healthcare outcomes and quality of life for this demographic. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out as follows to:
- Identify and analyze the challenges encountered by health workers in delivering care to elderly individuals, including workforce shortages, training deficiencies, and barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration;
- Evaluate the specific roles and responsibilities of various health workers in caring for elderly persons with diverse health conditions;
- Explore best practices and evidence-based interventions employed by health workers to address the unique needs of elderly persons, focusing on preventive care, chronic disease management, and palliative care;
- Investigate the dynamics of the relationship between health workers and elderly patients, including communication patterns, patient preferences, and shared decision-making processes; and
- Examine disparities in access to healthcare services among elderly populations and identify strategies to mitigate health inequities and improve access to quality care, particularly for marginalized communities.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there disparities in access to healthcare services among elderly populations and identify strategies to mitigate health inequities and improve access to quality care, particularly for marginalized communities?
- Is there any factor influencing health workers attitude of care towards the elderly?
- What are the challenges encountered by health workers in delivering care to elderly individuals, including workforce shortages, training deficiencies, and barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration?
- What are the specific roles and responsibilities of various health workers in caring for elderly persons with diverse health conditions?
- What are the dynamics of the relationship between health workers and elderly patients, including communication patterns, patient preferences, and shared decision-making processes?
- What is the perceived effect of staffing ratio on the care of the elderly?
- What are other factors affect on the care of elderly patients?
- What are the best practices and evidence-based interventions employed by health workers to address the unique needs of elderly persons, focusing on preventive care, chronic disease management, and palliative care?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Effective collaboration and coordination among health workers specializing in geriatric care negatively impact the quality of care and management of elderly persons’ conditions
- H1: Effective collaboration and coordination among health workers specializing in geriatric care positively impact the quality of care and management of elderly persons’ conditions
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings from this study will inform policy development aimed at addressing workforce shortages, enhancing training programs in geriatric care, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among health workers to optimize elderly care delivery.
Additionally, insights gained from this study can guide healthcare organizations and professionals in implementing evidence-based interventions and best practices for managing age-related conditions, improving patient-centered care, and reducing healthcare disparities among elderly populations.
Furthermore, the study findings can inform curriculum development for healthcare training programs, ensuring that future generations of health workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to elderly individuals. Also, optimizing the impact of health workers on elderly care can lead to cost savings by reducing hospital readmissions, and promoting aging in place through community-based care models.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Impact of Health Workers on Care and Management of Elderly Persons Conditions using Primary Health Centre Kofar Rini located at Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Knowledge: To have information in one's mind as a result of experience or because you have learned or been told (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).
Attitude: The way one thinks feels or behaves about somebody or something (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).
Health Worker: A professional involved in the delivery of healthcare services, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and aides.
Care: The provision of assistance and support to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of elderly individuals.
Management: The coordination and organization of resources, services, and interventions aimed at addressing the health conditions and needs of elderly persons.
Elderly Persons: Individuals typically aged 65 and older, characterized by specific health challenges and needs associated with aging.
