Role Reversal of Elderly Caregivers for People Living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda: A Case Study of Masindi District

Clare Kyomuhendo, Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana
Alice Boateng, Department of Social Work, University of Ghana P. O. Box LG 419, Legon
F. Akosua Agyemang, Department of Social Work University of Ghana P. O. Box LG 419, Legon

African nations are progressing in healthcare, yet HIV/AIDS remains a concern in adults aged 15-49, who are crucial to the workforce. Amidst fragmented family care system, the elderly women care for the sick family members and orphaned grandchildren. This study investigated the role reversal of Elderly Women Caring for People with HIV/AIDS in Masindi District, Uganda. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted on purposefully recruited 18 elderly women caregivers and 6 key informants from The Aids Support Organization (TASO) and Masindi Hospital. The results showed that when caring for dependent adult sick children and young orphaned grandchildren living with HIV, the elderly caregivers repeated most tasks they had previously performed for their children when they were still young, resulting in role reversal. This dynamic resulted into caregivers’ emotional burnout. Addressing the elderly caregivers’ unique needs in HIV/AIDS care policies is crucial for their psychological well-being amidst shifting socio-cultural expectations.