Elderly care in Nigeria is predominantly embedded within family structures, where relatives typically take on the responsibility of providing home-based care. This traditional approach has been shaped by cultural values that prioritise familial support over institutional care. However, as the elderly population grows and the complexities of age-related health issues increase, there is a pressing need to adopt more structured care models.

Implementing a comprehensive geriatrics assessment and management approach requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). An MDT in this context typically comprises healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including geriatricians, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. This collaborative framework ensures that the diverse needs of elderly individuals are met holistically.

The core of the comprehensive geriatrics assessment lies in evaluating medical, psychological, and social factors that influence an elderly person's health. This assessment involves thorough evaluations of physical health, cognitive function, psychological well-being, and social circumstances. By employing standardised tools, the MDT can identify specific care needs and formulate personalised care plans that address the unique challenges faced by older adults.

Furthermore, the management strategy may encompass medical treatments, physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and social engagement initiatives. By promoting an integrated approach, the MDT can enhance the quality of life for seniors, facilitating greater independence while ensuring their safety and dignity.

While family members remain integral to the care process, integrating a multidisciplinary approach can significantly bolster the efficacy of home-based care. Training family caregivers in basic health management and encouraging collaboration with health professionals can bridge gaps in care and support the elderly population more effectively.

Ultimately, evolving the model of elderly care in Nigeria to include a comprehensive geriatrics assessment and management approach is necessary to meet the growing demands of an ageing population. This transition not only empowers families but also fosters a more sustainable health system capable of addressing the complexities of elderly care.

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Elderly care in Nigeria is primarily provided within the family structure, with family members often offering home-based care. Deploying the comprehensive geriatrics assessment and management approach involves a multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Geriatricians provide person-centered holistic care that attempts to preserve function and maintain a good quality of life by deploying the comprehensive geriatrics assessment and management approach which involves a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Nigeria has an increasing ageing population that will benefit from a healthcare system that is aligned to their peculiar care needs in the different settings care will be sought. This can be achieved by building capacity in the various disciplines involved in providing comprehensive care to older persons, and including geriatric medicine in the training curriculum for medical students, nurses and all allied health workers.

The benefit of training caregivers to provide person-centered, good-quality care, with reduced risk of burnout and elder abuse, making a case for structured geriatric services in long-term care facilities in Nigeria.

Starting with Abuja, the goal, under the auspices of TALF, is to establish a ‘space’ with a conducive atmosphere for recreation and leisure, in a ‘care’ setting, while providing access to medical personnel for healthcare needs including emergencies.

The target demographic is the elderly population. This space would also be suitable for patients who may be handicapped by mobility restrictions or range of motion challenges providing the infrastructure is in place to ensure accessibility.

Resources would be directed to cater to patients' physical as well as cognitive needs utilizing a wide range of activities to foster engagement and encourage participation during the course of the day. These activities could also be structured depending on specific needs, indoors and outdoors. These may include light exercising, table and board games, pool, table tennis, basketball, music, television, communication and interaction, discussion of news and cultural issues, etc.

Arrangements could be made to include lunch service as part of satisfying dietary and nutrition requirements.

Similarly transportation services could be made available for patients to and from the establishment depending on the proximity.

Other details such as membership or what expenses would amount to for each patient is yet to be determined.

At Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation, we recognise the critical importance of engaging young minds in the realm of geriatric care. Our approach is to adopt a comprehensive, multi-faceted outreach strategy that utilises various media platforms to effectively educate and inform this vital demographic. By embracing their potential to contribute positively to the field of geriatric care, we aim to foster a generation that is both knowledgeable and passionate about improving the lives of older adults.

Our team is well-equipped to craft tailored campaigns that resonate with young audiences, capturing their attention through dynamic content that spans social media, podcasts, workshops, and interactive events. Each campaign will not only convey essential information but will also inspire young individuals to take an active role in the future of geriatric care.

We believe that it would be our honour to lead this project, as we are committed to delivering a product that does not just meet expectations but exceeds them, driving meaningful change in the community. Together, we have the power to educate, engage, and empower the next generation of advocates for geriatric care, ensuring that they are well-prepared to make a significant impact.

Choose Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation to help shape the voices of tomorrow and elevate the standard of care for our elderly population. Let us work together to make a difference that resonates for years to come.

Tom Adaba Legacy is well-positioned to craft effective campaigns using multiple media platforms. The key is to take a comprehensive, multi-faceted outreach approach to educating, informing and winning young minds; to embrace their roles in improving geriatric care. It will be our honour to take on this project and deliver a proud work product that will make a change. 

Tom Adaba Legacy is run by a team of local and international experts. We offer a wide range of skills in healthcare, non-profit management, media, production, training, research, and marketing, making Africa-Related Ltd a strong solution provider. Our clients gain from our creative ideas, strategic insights, global connections, management skills, negotiation abilities, budget experience, sponsorships, and dedication to our work.

Tom Adaba Legacy is run by a team of local and international experts. We offer a wide range of skills in healthcare, non-profit management, media, production, training, research, and marketing, making us a strong solution provider. Our clients gain from our creative ideas, strategic insights, global networks, management skills, negotiation abilities, budget handling experience, sponsorship expertise, and our passion for our work. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to discussing further.

Tom Adaba Legacy is led by a diverse team of specialists, offering expertise in Healthcare, Non-profit management, Media, Production, Training, Research, and Marketing. We serve as a robust 360° solution provider. Our clients gain from our creativity, strategic insights, global connections, supplier management, negotiation skills, budget management, sponsorships, and passion. Thank you for your interest; we anticipate further discussions.

This proposal is for creating geriatric care centers in communities throughout Nigeria to support an often neglected group. We also suggest training programs and advocacy campaigns to engage young people in geriatric care. If successful, these centers will help address the current care imbalance. We are seeking partnerships from government and private sectors to support this initiative.

The proposal outlined below aims to establish specialized geriatric care centers at community levels throughout Nigeria, specifically designed to address the needs of a demographic that is frequently overlooked and underserved. Additionally, we are proposing the implementation of comprehensive training programs coupled with advocacy campaigns at various levels, so as to foster increased interest and engagement in geriatric care among the younger generations. If this initiative proves successful, these centers will undoubtedly alleviate the current imbalance in the caregiver-to-elderly population ratio. To this end, we are actively seeking partnerships and collaboration opportunities from both government and private sectors to fully embrace and support this vital initiative.

QUOTES

Kaleyewa is doing the work that the government failed to do.

Williams Aderuku - Kaleyewa Resident

Many aged people in Nigeria are neglected by their children and relations because of poverty

ICIR

There are no elderly people’s homes in Nigeria, and nobody wished to take their parents to a home where they would live and receive care. We are not into that in Nigeria.

Banji Ajaka, Ondo State Commissioner of Health (ICIR)

Many people in the our communities, especially the elderly, often lack the money to pay for their medical bills whenever they are sick.

Olanrewaju Alewi, Iju-Itaogbolu General Hospital