International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The population of older persons is increasing, while the Traditional Joint Family System (TJFS) is declining, often leaving older persons isolated and vulnerable. This may increase the demand for old-age homes, underscoring the need to understand the capacity and limitations of these facilities in Namibia. Objectives: This study evaluated the capacity of old age homes to accommodate the needs of Namibia's older population aged 60 years and above in three selected regions of Namibia. Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study, utilising a checklist to assess the old-age homes and interview guides for the social workers and heads of facilities. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 30 at significance (P < 0.05). Qualitative data were analysed manually and presented in themes. Results: Old age homes in Namibia are scarce, urban-concentrated, and operating at (or near) full capacity. Private old-age homes are generally better resourced and rated, while public homes are lower-cost but face significant deficits in infrastructure, staffing, and accessibility. The voices of key informants highlight chronic funding shortfalls, transportation issues, and the need for renovations and additional staff.
Conclusion: There is an insufficiency of old-age homes, and disparities exist in facilities between publicly and privately run homes.
Unique Contribution: This study is one of the current Namibian triangulated analyses that link structural capacity, and staff perspectives in both the public and private old-age homes. It addresses a reported evidence gap in institutional long-term care in Namibia and offers context-specific insights to the broader literature on ageing and residential care.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends a phased expansion and decentralisation of old-age homes, prioritising the need for attention to the northern regions, alongside targeted investment to upgrade public old-age homes and strengthen regulatory oversight.