Abstract

Given the economic advancements and well-being leading people to live longer older people living in developing nations particularly in Africa are suffering from multi-faceted problems One of the possible interventions to curb the suffering of the elderly population is an institutional caring system This intervention is of paramount importance in time of crises like family lose health complication and poverty driven street life Today in Ethiopia it is becoming a day to day scene to see numerous elders begging in the streets for their living Although it is in a limited effort and way there are institutional care schemes in Ethiopia Segniwork 2014 This study tries to assess the institutional care provided for the elderly and residents perception of the quality of care provided by Mekedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled The study used mixed-method approach a concurrent nested strategy The survey which was employed in this study was focused on gathering information on the types of care levels of care and the residents perception of the quality of care provided In-addition in-depth interviews and FGDs Focus Group Discussions were conducted with purposively selected residents and key informant interview with key administrative staffs who were in charge of providing care and support focusing on the available resources and problems associated with care and support The findings of the study revealed that there are food clothing shelter recreational and health care services that are actually provided by the institution and most sample residents had ranked each service provision as good and excellent The study also revealed that providing basic services to the neediest elders is the foundation goals of the institutions And also understands that the service provision has changed the life situation of the resident elders One of the possible interventions to curb the problems of vulnerable populations such as elderlies children and women