Browsing by Author "Muller, Wendy Johanelene"

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    The role of social workers regarding services to older persons in residential care facilities
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03 ) Muller, Wendy Johanelene; Cornelissen-Nordien, Tasneemah; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many countries, including South Africa, are experiencing "population ageing", which means an increase in life expectancy. Therefore by 2030, it is predicted that South Africa will have about fifteen million older persons, thus an increase in need for care, particularly, residential care. Moreover, pandemics such as COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of the need for care of this vulnerable population. Thus, more social workers are needed in South African residential care facilities serving older persons. However, few studies have been conducted regarding the role of social workers with older persons residing in residential care facilities in South Africa. The research study therefore aimed to investigate the views of social workers regarding their role in service rendering to older persons in residential care facilities. A qualitative approach in conjunction with an exploratory and descriptive research design, was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants, including the two pilot participants from the pilot study. The first chapter of the study presented the introduction which discussed the preliminary rationale, problem statement, research question, objectives, theoretical point of departure and the research methodology of the study. The study also presented two chapters on the review of the literature. The second chapter delved into policy and legislation related to the needs and circumstances of older persons in residential care facilities from an ecological perspective. The third chapter explored the provision of social work services for older persons in residential care facilities. An empirical study based on data collected from participants confirmed that older persons in residential care facilities have physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation needs. However, some of these needs are not sufficiently met due to reasons such as limited funding for residential care facilities and the insufficiency of the older person’s grant. The study also highlighted the important contributions made by social workers, who work at micro, meso and macro levels to address the needs of older persons in residential care facilities. Despite their commendable efforts, social workers face many obstacles, such as a shortage of social workers, limited funding, and substantial administrative duties. Finally, a conclusions and recommendations chapter was presented which indicates that more funding is needed to support residential care facilities and older persons, ensuring their basic needs are met. It is advised that more social workers and social auxiliary workers are hired in residential care facilities to lessen the workload on social workers and enable them to better serve the needs of older persons and their families. There is also a need to prioritise group work services and mental healthcare services for older persons in residential care facilities. Equally important is the need for more opportunities for older persons residing in residential care facilities to interact with society in order to give them a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.