Experiences of older informal caregivers to people with HIV/Aids in Lome, Togo

This study examines the experiences of 50 older caregivers to people living with HIV/ AIDS in Lomé, Togo. The authors used a mixed qualitative-quantitative design to identify several challenges faced by the elderly caregivers. They were ill prepared for the caregiving demands and overburdened by enormous financial needs of people with HIV/AIDS, having been unexpectedly thrust into the role. They felt frustration, despair, and isolation because HIV/AIDS has changed the family structures and social expectations. Also, most of them reported how caring for someone with HIV/ AIDS had depleted their resources. Although they did not complain about caring for a person with HIV/AIDS, almost all wished for an institutional solution to relieve them of the burden of providing care. To alleviate the struggles of older caregivers to people with HIV/AIDS policymakers and HIV/AIDS programs need to incorporate caregivers into their policies and services.