Effects of HIV/AIDS on Psychological Well Being of Elderly Caregivers and their Coping Mechanisms in Igembe South Sub-County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HIV/AIDS on psychological wellbeing of elderly caregivers and their coping mechanisms in Igembe South Sub-County. Descriptive survey design was adopted with a total of 220 elderly caregivers sampled through purposive sampling procedure by use questionnaires and focus group discussions. Key informant interviews were conducted with members of CBOs. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The study established that a high number of the elderly caregivers were grieved after losing their child/children to AIDS which lead to depression. Burnout was experienced by the elderly caregivers because they encountered difficulties and work overload in taking care of HIV/AIDS infected and affected persons. Spiritual reliance through involvement in religious groups and other support groups were coping mechanisms used by the elderly caregivers. The study recommended those stakeholders such as Churches, CBOs, NGOs, Government, Counselling Organisations and the public need to be sensitized about the wellbeing of the elderly caregivers in order to develop and implement programmes that will assist them in prevention of depression and burnout and enhance better coping mechanisms.