The Perception of Persons 65 Years and Older, In The Georgetown Community, St. Vincent and The Grenadines Regarding Access to Health Care

Introduction St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a multi-island state. The Census of 2013 showed that the total population is 110, 384,00 of which 13,811 or 12.6% are 60 years and older. The ageing demographics mimic that of the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Strategies are being put in place to cater to the aging population, however, consideration is not given to their perception of how their health care needs can be met (ECLAC, 2024). Aging is accompanied by a set of challenges, one of which is limited access to health services. Willie-Tyndale et. (2019) posited that, in Jamaica, older people are among the population groups that use health services the most because it is associated with higher prevalence of diseases and disabilities. Research Objectives To explore the experiences of persons 65 years and older in the Georgetown Community, St. Vincent and the Grenadines with accessing health care services. To identify perceived facilitators and barriers to accessing health care among older people To assess the level of satisfaction among older people with the affordability, availability and quality of health care services Methodology A cross-sectional survey design was selected due to its appropriateness for measuring the perceptions of study participants at a single point in time. The study population was 200 adults 65 years and older. The sample of 60 was randomly selected from a list-frame Results The majority of the research participants were satisfied with their care by nurses and doctors with 7 (12%) are very satisfied, 45 (75%) satisfied, 2 (3%) neutral, 3 (5%) dissatisfied and 3 (5%) very dissatisfied. All respondents (100%) had a chronic health condition with 16 (27%) diabetes, 15 (25%) hypertension, 10 (16.5%) heart disease, arthritis 9 (15%) and visual impairment/blindness 10 (16.5%). Conclusion Aalthough most of the clients are satisfied in all areas investigated, those who are not satisfied must not be taken for granted. Frequent satisfaction surveys should be conducted and weaknesses acted on with urgency.