CARIBBEAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL

CARIBBEAN ADVANCED PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

SOCIOLOGY
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
2024

CANDIDATE NAMES: CANDIDATES’ NUMBER:

1. SATESH SINGH 1. 0900060220
2. SHELENA SEMPLE 2. 0900060212
3. MATTHEW RAMLOCHAN 3. 0900060182
4. TANDY CORT 4. 0900060069
5. BHUMEKA PERSAUD 5. 0900060166

CENTRE NAME: BERBICE HIGH SCHOOL

CENTRE NUMBER: 090006
TERRITORY: CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
SUBJECT: SOCIOLOGY UNIT 2
TOPIC: HEALTH
TEACHER: MISS C. FRASER
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This Internal Assessment would not have been completed without the support of a number of

persons who the researchers wish to acknowledge.

Firstly, the researchers wish to thank all family members for their cooperation and provision of

necessary finances and resources.

Secondly, the researchers wish to thank residents of Tain Settlement for taking the time off from

their occupied schedules and participating in filling out the questionnaires.

Finally, the researchers would like to give special thanks to their subject teacher, Miss Carol, for

her utmost guidance throughout the Internal Assessment.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE

Introduction………………………………………………………………….….…4

Statement of Problem/Aim and Objectives…………………….……...….….……5

Literature Review……………………………………………………………....….6

Research Design…………………………………………………………………...8

Sociological Perspective……………………………………………………….......9

Sample Selection……………...………………………………………………….10

Presentation of Data……….…….………………………………………….........11

Analysis of Data…………...……………………………………………….….…14

Discussion of Findings…………………………………………………………...16

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………......18

Limitation………………………………………………………………………...19

Recommendation………………………………………………………………....20

Bibliography……………………………………………………………...……....21

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………22

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 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND
Health is the state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of

disease or infirmity. Elderly folks and individuals with special medical conditions frequently

demand much care to be healthy and safe. The compassion and understanding are the most

important things when caring for elderly people and those with special needs. The creation of a

personalize care, support and inclusive environment can bring about a huge change in their

lives. The elderly and disadvantaged individuals have to deal with several challenges including

limited mobility, chronic health conditions, social isolation, violence and difficulties with daily

activities. These challenges should be faced by providing health care which is affordable, support

systems and fostering inclusivity in the communities.

It was observed that Tain Settlement is a major community that lacked the healthcare facilities

needed for the elderly and special needs. It appeared that the elderly and special needs were not

given their rights; therefore, the researchers chose this area of study to bring out possible

solutions to help these individuals. They chose to carry out this study with the aim of being able

to develop communication skills, decision-making skills and management of time.

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Statement of Problem/Aim
An investigation into the extent to which the accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for

the elderly and special needs are being satisfied.

Objectives:
1. To identify what protection and assistance programmes are inclusive for the elderly and

special needs and what services are accessible to them.

2. To determine what systems are in place to prevent and respond to violence against the

elderly and special needs.

3. To assess the ways in which the elderly and special needs capacities and necessities are

satisfied.

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 LITERATURE REVIEW

According to EAP.com (July 23, 2023), care for the elderly and individuals with special needs

involves providing assistance and support to meet their unique physical, emotional, and social

needs. It covers responsibilities including making sure their health is good, participating in their

life and keeping them safe and assisting to the services they need. In other words, groups are

dedicated to enhancing their living conditions and improving their overall lifestyle. This implies

creating inclusive environments, giving support, and advocating to ensure that elderly people and

individuals with special needs are able to enjoy their rights and needs.

Pennbrant.S. and Karisson.M. (April 16, 2019) mentioned that Eriksson’s theory can be used

when caring for older people to promote and strengthen their dignity and well-being, thus

facilitating the provision of high-quality care. Caring for older people can mean that healthcare

professionals are there for them, see and confirm their suffering and listen to their narratives.

This can create trust in the caring relationships, leading to proper well-being. Through tending,

and learning older people health process can be supported and maintained for a sustainable old

age while in Darwin’s theory, people with special needs are seen as evolutionary defectives with

undesirable characteristics that will be eliminated by the process of natural selection.

Wisconsin.gov.com (September 24, 2021) states that there are several protection and

assistance programs and services available for the elderly and special needs which include:

1. Social Security and Disability Benefits – these two programs provides monetary aid to people

who are qualified to have a disability or already in retirement years.

2. Medicaid and Medicare – government funded healthcare programs, provide medical

coverage and help with paying for medical care in addition to medical expenses to those who

are impoverished like seniors and individuals who are special needs.

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3. Home Care Services – the services in this sector focus primarily on helping people with daily

chores, meal preparation and personal care. The services enable individuals to stay

comfortably in their homes.

4. Supportive Housing – it is one of the programs, which offers affordable housing selection,

specifically older people, special needs and similar population groups

5. Caregiver Support Programs – these programs help individuals who are family or friends of

the elderly or special need persons meet the physical, psychological, and financial challenges

of caregiving through support services and educational resources.

There are the diverse institutions established to avoid and remedy violence committed on the

elderly and special needs. Such initiatives have awareness campaigns, caregivers training,

reporting mechanisms, support services, and materials shared for education purposes, which can

be distributed using different channels. These encompass measures addressing the national

problem of the physical abuse, help combine the available reporting mechanisms, and teach the

public how to stop and react to domestic violence. (UNHCR 2022).

Putri. P. (2017) notes that the needs of the elderly and people with special needs are addressed

via healthcare services that are provided through accessibility means and varied channels,

through specialized support projects, adaptive technologies, and community- based initiatives as

well. They are mainly the cases when the plan is concentrated itself only on individual groups of

people that experience the same problems and whose care is of primary importance. Disability

benefits can be transformed into different types of allowances and by making essential supplies

of goods and services for the disabled more accessible to the older people and individuals with

special needs. Creating specialized programs that offer assistance in daily life, therapy and social

interaction will also be paramount.

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 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research into the extent to which the accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for the

elderly and special needs are being satisfied will be conducted at Tain Settlement.

To investigate the issue, the quantitative research method of data collection was chosen because

it can capture vast amounts of data far quicker and allows the researchers to collect more

accurate and reliable results. In order to accurately obtain information needed to complete this

research, both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used.

The primary instrument used for data collection was the Questionnaire. The researchers used the

random sampling technique to gain information because it lacks bias, and it makes

generalizations about the population. The questionnaire consists of seventeen questions which

comprises both closed-ended and open-ended questions.

The secondary instruments used for data collection were textbooks and the World Wide Web.

These two sources were sufficient to complete the research since the textbooks provided good

background information; meanwhile, the World Wide Web allowed quick and unlimited access

to information.

The researchers distributed a total of twenty-five questionnaires to the villagers of Tain

Settlement on December 15, 2023 at approximately 04:00 p.m. and retrieved them after the

villagers had sufficient time to answer them. Twenty-five questionnaires were received on

December 20, 2023.

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 SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

The quantitative research method is preferred by positivists. Positivism is an approach to the

study of society that relies specifically on scientific evidence such as experiments and statistics,

to reveal a true nature of how society operates. Positivism is relevant to this research as, with this

method the researchers can ensure that their study design, data collection and analysis are

rigorous and objective, leading to reliable and valid results.

For Grand Canyon University, quantitative research methods are advantageous because it is

often fast, focused and relatable. It aims to create a general understanding of behaviours and

other phenomena across different settings and populations. It makes it possible to process and

analyze data quickly, even large sample sizes. Disadvantages are that quantitative research is

difficult, expensive and the process can be time consuming.

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 SAMPLE SELECTION

A sample is a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. (Dictionary.com).

The random sampling method was preferred for this research.

This method was chosen based on its lack of bias and its ease of use and accuracy of

representation, allowing respondents answers to be relevant to the topic being investigated. Thus,

an accurate conclusion can be drawn by statistics gathered.

Tain Settlement has approximately one hundred (100) households. It was calculated that a

sample of 25% was mandatory in order to ensure accurate conclusions on the extent to which the

accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for the elderly and special needs are satisfied.

(25% of 100=25). In order to obtain information for this survey, out of the 25 villagers, 10 were

males and 15 were females. Individuals from various age ranges, ethnic and religious

backgrounds were given questionnaires.

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 PRESENTATION OF DATA

Table 1: Showing protection and assistance programmes inclusive for the elderly and
special needs and services accessible to them.
Protection and assistance programmes
inclusive for the elderly and special No. of respondents Percentage
needs and services accessible to them
Social Security Benefits 10 40%
Nonprofit Organizations and Advocacy
4 16%
Groups
Support Housing Programs 5 20%
Aging and Disability Centres 6 24%

BAR GRAPH SHOWING WHAT PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

ARE INCLUSIVE FOR THE ELDERLY AND SPECIAL NEEDS AND WHAT SERVICES
MAY BE ACCESSIBLE TO THEM
12
10
8
6
4
2
No. of respondents

0
ts s s
efi ps am er
n rou gr e nt
be G
Pr
o yc
ity cy g lit
cu
r
oca in bi
e v us sa
ls Ad o di
cia nd tH an
d
So a por
ns p ng
tio Su A gi
iza
an
rg
tO
rofi
p
N on

Protection and assistance programmes inclusive for the elderly and special needs and services accessible
to them

Figure 1. showing the protection and assistance programs that are inclusive for the elderly
and special needs and the services that may be accessible to them.

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Table 2: Showing systems in place to prevent and respond to violence against the elderly
and special needs.

Systems are in place to prevent and respond

to violence against the elderly and special No. of respondents Percentage
needs.

Abuse hotlines 3 12%

Legal protections/law enforcement 9 36%

Community outreach and Education awareness

5 20%
campaigns

Protection services 8 32%

PIE CHART SHOWING WHAT SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE TO PREVENT AND

RESPOND TO VIOLENCE AGAINST THE ELDERLY AND SPECIAL NEEDS

12%
Abuse hotlines
32% Legal protections/law enforcement
Community outreach and Education
awareness campaigns
Protection services
36%

20%

Figure 2. showing the systems that are in place to prevent and respond to violence against the
elderly and special needs.

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Table 3: Showing ways the elderly and special needs capacities and necessities are being
satisfied.
Ways the elderly and special needs
capacities and necessities are being No. of respondents Percentage
satisfied
Healthcare services 10 40%

Home care services 5 20%

Financial assistance 7 28%

Accessibility and accommodations 3 12%

Figure 3. showing the ways in which, the elderly and special needs capacities and necessities
are being satisfied.

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 ANALYSIS OF DATA

According to the data from Figure 1, responses to What protection and assistance programs are

inclusive for the elderly and special needs and what services may be accessible to them was

Social security benefits 40%, Nonprofit Organizations and Advocacy Groups 16%, Support

Housing Programs 20% and Aging and disability centres 24%. Protection and assistance

programs for the elderly and individuals with special needs are very important. These programs

provide essential support like healthcare services, social support, financial assistance, housing

options, caregiver support, transportation services, and legal assistance to ensure their well-

being, safety and challenges they may face. The mean number of respondents is 6.5, mode 10

and median 4.

As recorded in Figure 2, Abuse hotlines 12%, Legal protections/law enforcement 36%,

Community outreach and Education awareness campaigns 20% and Protection services 32%

shows What systems are in place to prevent and respond to violence against the elderly and

special needs. It was noted that it is important to have systems in place to prevent and respond to

violence against the elderly and special needs in order for them to live in a safe environment.

These systems ensure that incidents of violence are properly addressed and help raise awareness

about the issue. Having these systems in place, can towards creating a society that values and

protects the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their age or abilities. The mean

number of respondents is 6.5, mode 9 and median 7.

Figure 3 shows In what ways are the elderly and special needs capacities and necessities are

being satisfied, responses was Healthcare services 40%, Home care services 20%, Financial

assistance 28% and Accessibility and accommodations 12%. Satisfying the capacities and

necessities of the elderly and individuals with special needs promotes their overall well-being

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and quality of life. This helps in creating or fostering an inclusive environment for them, where

their needs are met and promote their physical and mental well-being. Thus, this provides a

society where they can thrive and be valued despite their circumstances. The mean number of

respondents is 6.5, mode 10 and median 6.

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 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

The various findings from the research acknowledges the fact that the elderly and special needs

individuals are indeed being treated to a considerable extent with proper care towards their health

and well-being within Tain Settlement. Social Security was the prominent way in which

protection and assistance programs are inclusive for the elderly and special needs (40% out of

100%). According to Wisconsin.gov, these programs provided financial support to eligible

individuals with disabilities or those who have reached retirement age. This is very helpful in

terms of providing finance, due to most individuals with disabilities and those retired being

unable to work. Therefore, social security benefits assist in providing finance to not only look

after their health but also provide the necessities they desire.

Following this, it can be highlighted that the systems in place to prevent and respond to

violence against the elderly and special needs were mostly based within Legal Protection (36%

out of 100%) and Protection Services (32% out of 100%). Legal Protection is enacted through

the government’s ombudsman and the police, where cases can be reported at any time to provide

protection. Unlike Legal Protection, Protection Services can be provided by both the government

and non-governmental organizations, such as the construction of orphanages for orphans and

disability centers for the handicapped, etc. This provides shelter and warmth for these individuals

where they can have a place of belonging to feel safe and comfortable, especially when they

have no one else to take care or protect them.

It was stated that the capacities and necessities of the elderly and special needs are satisfied

through various means. Putri. A. (2017). One such means was accessible healthcare services,

which was proven to be the key way that the elderly and special needs’ capacities and necessities

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were being satisfied within Tain Settlement (40% out of 100%). These services are provided by

both the public and private sector and is a universal system. These services are usually donated

by the sectors to help aid in the well-being of the elderly and special needs. They are also given

special benefits when going to hospitals. The physical, mental and social well-being of any

individual either young, old, disabled or able-bodied is important for a happy and long life,

therefore healthcare services are essential for any society, and should always at any time be

accessible and continue to be developed further for future generations.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for the elderly and those with

special needs, whether they have physiological disabilities or are orphans have had attempted

improvements to heighten their care system for numerous existing difficulties. The findings of

analysing the programs, systems and ways to meet the satisfaction of these individuals implied:

 That social security programs were evident in protecting them financially.

 That legal protection from the ombudsman and police were the main systems in place to

respond to violence towards them.

 And that there were healthcare services specially aided for their physical, mental and social

well-being, from the public and private sectors.

Making sure that the healthcare needs of the population are satisfied adequately includes

measures like enhancing affordability, broader dissemination of information, and improved

physical access. The elderly and special needs are humans just like us who did not get to choose;

instead, they eventually grew old, they were born disabled, and/or they lost their

parents/guardians. Therefore, accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for these

individuals are a must to be satisfied and developed, because any of us would have longed for the

same if we were them.

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 LIMITATION

Based on the investigation the survey allowed researchers to collect quality data from a wide

range of participants on the extent to which the accessibility to healthcare services and facilities

for the elderly and special needs are being satisfied. However, it led to some limitations such as:

 Some questions on the questionnaire were left unanswered resulting in a low response

rate for all available questions in total.

 Respondents may not have been completely honest causing a possibility for inaccurate

feedback.

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 RECOMMENDATION

Two (2) recommendations (governmental) from the researchers are:

 One of the most necessary recommendations is for a home and/or rehabilitation center to be

built for the elderly and special needs, as well as providing the necessary healthcare services.

Governmental authorities should have these established as soon as possible for the people

without any shelter and warmth.

 Seminars and village meetings should be held often to educate villagers on how to care,

prevent and respond to violence for the elderly and special needs. In addition, these meetings

can work towards forming a community council that could protect the elderly and special

needs from the abusive people.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 EAP. (2023, July 23). Retrieved from Eap_India.com: https://www.eap-india.com/how-

to-take-care-of-the-elderly-disabled/

 Lestari, A. A. (2018). Retrieved from Knepublsihing.com:

https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Life/article/view/1364/3136

 Sandra Pennbrant, M. K. (2019, April 16). Retrieved from Intechopen.com:

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/66371

 UNHCR. (2022). Retrieved from UNHCR.org:

https://www.unhcr.org/what-we-do/protect-human-rights/safeguarding-individuals/
persons-disabilities

 Wisconsin. (2021, September 24). Retrieved from Wisconsin.gov:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/legislative/grant.htm

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 APPENDIX

COVER LETTER
Berbice High School
Junction of North and Elizabeth Roads
Queenstown
New Amsterdam, Berbice

“November 25th, 2023”

RE: Letter of Request to the residents of Tain Settlement for survey

Dear Sir/Madam,

We, the researchers, are Grade 12 (CAPE) students of Berbice High School. We are
currently conducting this survey for our Sociology Unit 2 Internal Assessment, so we kindly
request your assistance and cooperation. This questionnaire has been prepared to find out the
extent to which the accessibility to healthcare services and facilities for the elderly and special
needs are being satisfied in your community.

Please be advised that you are to answer all the following questions. Most of the questions can be
answered by a simple tick in the box (i.e., ). Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Bhumeka Persaud, …………………………………

Matthew Ramlochan, …………………………………
Satesh Singh, …………………………………
Shelena Semple, …………………………………
Tandy Cort, …………………………………

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THE QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Gender: Male Female
2. What is your age range?

Below 20 years

20-30 years

30-40 years

50 years and above

3. What is your occupation?

___________________________________________________
4. To what ethnic group do you belong?

African descent

Indian descent

Chinese descent

Portuguese descent

Mixed descent

5. How long have you been residing in Tain Settlement?

Under 1 year

1-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

6. Are there any elderly or special needs person in your community?

Yes No

7. Do you take care of any elderly or special need person?

Yes No

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8. In what ways do you help in assisting an elderly or special need?
Visit them frequently
Help in a variety of physical tasks
Assist financially
Other ___________________________________________________________
9. Do you think that the elderly and special needs are properly taken care of?

Yes No

10. In what ways are elderly and special needs not properly taken care of?

Are they not giving the love and attention?

Are they abused in any of its form?

Are they not having the financial support?

Other __________________________________________________________

11. What do you think can be done to ensure that the elderly and special needs are properly

taken care of?

Enhanced caregiver training programs

Increased funding and resources for healthcare and social services

Fostered community engagement and support networks

Implemented policies and regulation that protect their rights and well-being

12. What protection and assistance programs are inclusive for the elderly and special needs

and what services may be accessible to them?

Social security benefits

Nonprofit Organizations and Advocacy Groups

Supportive Housing Programs

Aging and Disability Centers

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13. Do you think caretakers are well educated to properly take care of the elderly and special

needs?

Yes No

14. What systems are in place to prevent and respond to violence against the elderly and
special needs.

Abuse Hotlines

Legal protections/ Law enforcement

Community outreach and Education awareness campaigns

Protection services

15. Is there any other place for the elderly and special needs in the community to reside if

there is no home available?

Yes

No

16. Do you think it is necessary for a home to be built for those persons?

Yes

No

17. Why do you find it necessary?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

18. In what ways are the elderly and special needs capacities and necessities are being
satisfied?
Healthcare services

Home Care services

Financial assistance

Accessibility and accommodations

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 SOCIOLOGY MARKING SCHEME

Categories Marks Total

Mark(s)
obtained

SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION
(20 marks)
(a) (i) Background
(5 marks) 5
(ii) Definition of the Research
Problem
(5 marks) 5
(b) Aims and Objectives of Study
(8 marks)
7
(c) Literature Review
(2 marks)
2
(d) Communication of information

SECTION TWO (13 marks)

RESEARCH DESIGN
(4 marks) 4
(a) The Research Design/Plan

(3 marks) 3
(b) The Sociological Perspective

(3 marks) 3
(c) The Sample/Selection of Subjects to be Studied

(d) Data Collection Instruments/Techniques (3 marks) 3

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SECTION THREE (15 marks)
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
(5 marks) 5
(a) Presentation of findings

(8 marks) 7
(b) Analysis of findings

(c) Communication of information (2 marks) 2

SECTION FOUR (12 marks)

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS AND
CONCLUSION

(a) Discussion of Findings and Conclusion (7 marks) 6

(b) Bibliography (3 marks) 3

(c) Communication of information

(2 marks) 2

TOTAL MARKS 60 57

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