Assessment of social and emotional care services for elders in Awira - Amba Community Elders Care Center, Ethiopia

The main purpose of this study was to assess social and emotional care services provided for elders in Awira-Amiba Community Elders’ Care Center. Data were gathered through in-depth interview. The results revealed that some of the social needs of elders in the care were not met.  That is, they did not adequately interact in the social networks with their children, grandchildren, and extended families. Besides, they did not get the opportunity to discuss, talk and share experience about their successes and failures. In spite of this, most elders were happy with their life in the center. However, most of their social  needs were not met.  For instance, they did not adequately interact in the social networks with their children, grandchildren and extended families. Besides, they did not get the opportunity to discuss, talk and share experience about their successes and failures. Therefore, elders in the center need to get access of involvement in the community activities. In addition, Psychologists, Social Workers and Health Care Workers should engage to meet emotional, social and health needs of elders in the center. Key words: elders, care center, emotional needs, social needs.