Presenter(s):
Tabita Tuwilika Kalunduka; Evelina Ndapandula Uahengo, Family CareGiving, Namibia
Abstract
Introduction
The population of persons aged 60 and above in sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly, outpacing the development of formal elder care systems. In Namibia, like much of the region, care for older persons is overwhelmingly provided by family members, often without adequate resources or recognition. This abstract draws on data and field experiences from the Family Care Giving Project, a multi-country research initiative aimed at understanding caregiving practices for older persons in Southern Africa. As contracted field researchers, we conducted interviews in Okatana Constituency to explore the dynamics of family-based elder care and its challenges. Our submission presents field reflections and emerging themes observed during the study.
Methodology:
A qualitative, multi-country longitudinal study was conducted in two villages within the Okatana Constituency to explore the lived experiences of older persons and their family caregivers. The study involved in-depth interviews with 15 older people and their corresponding 15 caregivers, using open-ended questionnaires designed to elicit rich, narrative data. The data collection focuses on examining daily care routines, financial and emotional support sources, and the interpersonal dynamics that shape the caregiving relationship. This approach aimed at capturing care practical and emotional dimensions within the broader social and cultural context.
Key Emerging Themes:
1. Emotional and Financial Strain on Caregivers – Caregivers reported stress, lack of support, and sacrificing employment opportunities.
2. Selective Acceptance of Care – Older persons often expressed preferences for care from specific family members.
3. Mental Health Needs Overlooked – Signs of cognitive or emotional distress were normalized or dismissed by families.
4. Chronic Illness and Practical Support – Many older persons live with chronic conditions and rely heavily on caregivers for hospital visits and shopping.
5. Gender and Power Dynamics – Male partners were frequently uncooperative in household support; women carried a disproportionate burden.
6. Youth Sacrifices and Intergenerational Unity – Some young people paused their education or employment dreams to care for older relatives.
7. Loneliness among Older Persons – Limited social engagement led to feelings of emotional neglect.
Field Reflections:
The research revealed a complex interplay of resilience and vulnerability within the participating households. Observations highlighted the emotional burden carried by young caregivers, whose sacrifices were both profound and often unacknowledged, as well as the deep sense of loneliness experienced by many older persons. Notably, formal discourse around mental health was largely absent; emotional distress among older adults was frequently perceived as a natural aspect of ageing rather than a concern warranting intervention. Despite persistent financial constraints, strong cultural values surrounding respect for elders remained evident. Most families expressed a clear preference for providing care within the home rather than placing older relatives in institutional settings.
Conclusion:
This study shows how important family caregivers are in looking after older people, even though their work often goes unnoticed. It also shows the need for better policies to support these caregivers and older persons through stronger social support, better mental health care, and recognizing the role families’ play. What was observed in Okatana gives helpful ideas that can improve care for older people across Southern Africa.
Bio(s):
Evelina is a Social Worker with immense and extensive knowledge in Social Work namely in community work and case work. She has experience of 16 years in the field of Social Work. She is a holder of Bachelor Degree of Social Work and Postgraduate in Management. In 2017 she was appointed as a field supervisor for the National Study on the Prevalence of and Interventions in Relation to Suicide Survey in Namibia that was done by the Ministry of Health in Conjunction with Debmarine Namibia. Evelina updates her knowledge base from time to time by doing short online courses specifically with the University of Washington, Edx and attends online webinars held by institutions like: ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals) and others. She have picked up a habit of reading books of which she reads at least one book in two weeks some of the remarkable books that she has read and motivates her to do her work everyday, independently and diligence are: The Atomic Habits by J. Clear: ,7habits of highly effective people by R. Covey and Beating Procrastination by N. Salzgeber. All in all Evelina is a humanist and always wants to be aligned with anything that has do to with the promotion of people welfare.
