A programme to empower caregivers of children who are differently abled at non-governmental organisations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a programme to empower caregivers who care for children who are differently abled at Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with skills and knowledge to effectively address the challenges they face. An exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design with a qualitative methodology was conducted in three phases, which consisted of data collection from caregivers and NGO managers, after which a conceptual framework was developed that guided the development of the programme following Dickhoff’s Practice Orientated Theory. The population in this study composed of two groups, caregivers who care for children who are differently abled at NGOs (n=9) and NGO managers (n=7). The purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for the study; however, the exact sample size was determined by the data saturation point. Data was collected by conducting individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with caregivers and NGO managers. Interviews were audio recorded using an audio tape recorder. Data was analysed according to the 6 phases of thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). Data collected from the qualitative study and the developed conceptual framework provided a foundation for developing the operational programme to empower caregivers who render care to children who are differently abled at NGOs. The study highlighted challenges caregivers experience that makes it difficult to optimally carry out the duties their caregiving role entails. The study revealed that caregivers experience difficulties with bathing, feeding, nappy changing, medication management and stimulation for their care recipients, due to lack of training. The study also revealed that caregivers do not have the necessary coping skills to overcome the stressors they experience as a result of the caregiving role. Furthermore, the study found that caregivers feel their roles are not recognised by the community. The lack of community recognition causes a negative chain of events that leads to potentially high physical and emotional health risks for the caregiver. It is envisaged that the developed programme could be used to empower caregivers at NGOs for children who are differently abled with skills and knowledge to effectively address the challenges they face so that they can render optimal care to the children they care for who are differently abled.