Describing the experiences of older persons with visual impairments during COVID-19 in rural Ghana

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the lived experiences among older persons with disability during the coronavirus pandemic in rural Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a qualitative methodology consistent with a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

During the pandemic, care rendered to older persons with disabilities by their caregivers easily declined because of the lockdown measure. This made the participants suffer in profound loneliness and hunger, and forced some to generate suicidal thoughts. On the other hand, the participants who lived with their family members were also kept indoors for several weeks to reduce their chances of contracting the virus. This was because participants’ family members loosed confidence in the Ghanaian health-care system in protecting their older relatives.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to explore the experiences of older persons with disabilities during coronavirus disease 2019 in rural Ghana. The Ghanaian Government should consider formalized care to ensure continued care of older persons with disabilities especially during pandemics and future related uncertainties.

Citation

Kwegyir Tsiboe, A. (2020), "Describing the experiences of older persons with visual impairments during COVID-19 in rural Ghana", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 22 No. 6, pp. 371-383. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2020-0026