Assessment Of Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Older Adults Living with Visual Impairment in Enugu East Local Government Area

The effect of visual impairment can be profound on older adults as well as their caregivers, affecting their independence, quality of life and ability to navigate daily activities. The study is designed to find out challenges faced by caregivers of older adults living with visual impairments in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique which comprised purposive sampling technique, simple random sampling technique by balloting and availability sampling where used at various stages to select 24 participants which comprised of 4 male and 4 female who were caregivers to visual impairment older adults chosen from eye clinics within the three selected district that made Enugu East. Data was generated using an in-dept interview guide and analysied thematically using quotes from the research participants. The study revealed emotional stress and burden, insufficient time for personal care and activities, financial drain, depression and anxiety as the major challenges of the caregivers to visually impaired older adults, whereas factors such as poor medical facilities, financial constraints, and poor welfare packages where identified to be responsible for the challenges. Further findings revealed social workers could play crucial role by providing emotional support, resource coordination, advocacy, counseling to crisis intervention to assist caregivers cope with these challenges.