Home-based care strategies provided by family members that give life satisfaction to the elderly in Bunia city, Democratic Republic of Congo.

ABSTRACT :Introduction:Homebased care has been widely researched but very few studies has been done on the effectsit has on life satisfaction of the elderly in sub-Sahara Africa, particularly DRC Congo. An effective homebased care has the potential to impact the health system together with the recipients of the care and theirfamilies.Methods:Mixed-method approach was used in this study which integrated both qualitative and quantitativemethods. 25 elderly people from 65 and aboveyearsweresampled for the IDI interviews and 2FGDswerecarried out with 7 participants each.Results:Majority of the respondents were satisfied with living with their families who were able to take careof them and share their ideas. However, one of the majorweaknesses they faced were lack of basic needs likefood and shelter. The elderly people are also getting limited opportunities from their family members becausethey have limited support from the government.Conclusion:Home-based care is an important aspect in the life satisfaction of the elderly. Life satisfaction ofthe elderly was linked to emotional, financial, spiritual, social and physical support from family membersdespite the medical conditions and harsh economic situation.

Keywords:Elderly people, family members, Home-based care, Life satisfaction