Circumstances Precipitating Rural Older Adults for Co-Residential Family Care Arrangements in Central Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aims to explore circumstances that precipitate rural older adults for co-residential family care arrangements employing a phenomenological study method. Data from in-depth interviews with 12 rural older adults were inductively coded and developed into themes. Physical limitations and health problems, separation and divorce, death of a spouse, economic problem, neglect, inheritance dispute, and inaccessible locations are the circumstances that precipitate older adults to give up their independent living and start living with their children in the study area. The study points out to policymakers and other concerned bodies that actions must be geared toward maintaining a positive living environment for rural older adults and tackling challenges that are decisive in co-residential family care setting. Increasing health care accessibility, expanding senior/adult care centers and community health insurance programs, training geriatric social workers, enhancing collaboration between family caregivers and formal services, and provision of assistive devices for debilitating health conditions and subsequent disability will enhance the quality of life of rural older adults in co-residential family care arrangement.