Browsing by Author "Zungu, Isabel Ntombizodwa"

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    Challenges experienced by primary caregivers in raising children with physical disabilities in Mvunyane area, Vryheid, Kwazulu-Natal
    (University of Zululand, 2019) Zungu, Isabel Ntombizodwa
    The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by primary caregivers in raising children with physical disabilities who were undergoing rehabilitation in Mvunyane area, Vryheid KwaZulu-Natal using a qualitative approach. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews from a sample of twenty primary caregivers who were selected using the purposive sampling method. The findings of the study showed that primary caregivers faced a number of social and economic challenges which included inadequacy of the care dependency grant, social isolation, immobility, emotional stress and stigmatisation and discrimination in the community. However, it was noted that primary caregivers used faith-based organisations, support from social workers, families, support groups in their community as their coping strategies. It was concluded that many primary caregivers who are raising children with physical disabilities have to deal with problem and challenges related with the care that is required. Though the primary caregivers showed commitment to their responsibilities, they also faced challenges resulting in their having emotional difficulties. It was also concluded that a family who has a physical disabled child is likely to fall into poverty. This is because the effects of financial constraints not only affect the primary caregivers of children with physical disabilities but they affect the whole family. It was concluded that there are inadequate intervention care programmes and services designed to assist the primary caregivers and physically disabled children. It was recommended that healthcare workers should educate all family members on how they can assist the primary caregivers of children with physical disabilities. Social workers should educate primary caregivers about acceptance of disability so that primary caregivers do not feel isolated. Non-governmental organisations and the Government can enter partnerships in developing projects that will financially empower primary caregivers to be self-employed. The Department of Social Development can employ more development workers who will train the primary caregivers on poverty alleviation programmes. Healthcare workers should do awareness campaigns in the communities on disabilities so that people can be familiar with disabilities and that can decrease stigmatisation of people living with disabilities. Government can provide respite care such as day care centres that will cater for children living with disabilities in the community.