Introduction

Careful reflection has convinced me to write this chapter as a hermeneutic discourse on caregiving and support for the elderly disabled in the Ghanaian African context. I believe it is important to write not solely from an academic or empirical stance, but also drawing from over a decade of personal experience as a caregiver for an aged, visually impaired mother. My experiences as a clinical psychologist also inform the perspectives shared in this chapter.

I believe my journey with my mother will add to knowledge on caregiving for the elderly disabled, as well as inform the formulation of policies and support services for caregiving in the African context. I share reflections from the experience not only to emphasize the personal growth it has afforded me but also because I believe that my experience may resonate with and benefit caregivers in Ghana and beyond who are in similar situations. Therefore, in this chapter, I discuss issues related to caregiving in Ghanaian society—and by extension the African context—from a personal perspective and, where appropriate, supported with empirical evidence.

Aging can be complex and accompanied by deterioration of functioning. Many elderly persons experience various forms of disabilities—mental (e.g., dementia) and physical (e.g., mobility and visual impairment). Throughout the chapter I will use the term “elderly disabled” to refer to elderly persons whose functioning is compromised by age-related complications such as loss of vision, mobility, and/or mental capacity.

This chapter will examine the challenges and opportunities in caregiving and caregiver services. Challenges include social obstacles and family dynamics that affect caregiving. Opportunities will include caregiver support in the caregiving experience, with suggestions for ways forward.

Background

I am the youngest of seven children, yet for many years I played a leadership role among my siblings, particularly in caring for our now ninety-fouryear- old mother. My journey with Mother, as her primary caregiver, began soon after my father died suddenly in 1999 at the age of eighty-five. Before that, my parents lived together in our family home. After my father died, Mother lived alone with two domestic helpers while we (her children) lived outside Ghana. This was a lonely and emotionally difficult time for her.