By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Geriatric social care in Nigeria is an essential component of the country’s healthcare system aimed at addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by elderly individuals.
As Nigeria’s population continues to age, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over will surpass 40 million, hence the demand for effective geriatric social care services is increasingly pressing.
It is on this premise that the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC),today 15th May 2024, in Abuja unveiled the groundbreaking geriatric development aimed at improving geriatric social care across the country.
The unveiling ceremony, held in collaboration with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare providers, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address the needs of its aging population.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Emem Omokaro DG (NSCC) stated that the geriatric social care came at a crucial time as Nigeria’s elderly population continues to grow, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and support services.
She noted that today marks the foundation laying of what would be a journey to building an expansive Geriatric Social Care Quality Assurance System which is the bedrock of a very multidimensional care industry.
“Nigeria by this development aims to ensure that the care workforce has the knowledge, skills and competencies crucial to enable workers to practice older-person centered care while also building a paid quality social care workforce to ensure reduction of negative stereotypes about caregiving to older people”, she said.
Furthermore, Dr. Omokaro stated that the development is in line with the Job creation, improved productivity, inclusion and equity priority pillars and deliverables by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Omakaro stated that NSCC seeks support, budget inclusion and partnership in the following areas: Promoting, training and certification of caregivers; Promoting the Agency Model of Care which accredits Care Agencies, homes within communities where care is requested thus strengthening families to care, promote cultural and religious values and Ageing; Granting access to skilled home caregivers and certified options for residential care; Assisted living facilities; Respite homes and Universal Health coverage; Innovate financing of home and facility-based care with social insurance via the NHIA-Vulnerable Group Funds Integrating ICOPE in Primary health Care systems.
She further disclosed that the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and the National Plan of Action on Ageing, detailed in clear terms the development of a paid skilled workforce for the geriatric social care sector, the development of National benchmark and minimum standards in training and certification of care givers, care agencies and the development of career opportunities for identified competencies.
According to her, “The initiative focuses on providing comprehensive social care services tailored to the unique requirements of elderly individuals, including healthcare, social support, and community engagement”.
On his part, Mr. Abel O. Enitan, Permanent Secretary federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs affairs and Poverty Alleviation alleviation who was represented by Mrs. Agnes Aneke, Director special Duties, stated that today marks a significant milestone in their commitment to ensuring the well-being of elderly citizens.
Mrs. Aneke further stated that in Nigeria, the elders are the custodians of our heritage, wisdom, and culture yet, many of them face challenges such as poverty, neglect, and inadequate access to healthcare and social services. This, she noted, is why the Geriatric Social Care program is so crucial.
“This Program aims to provide comprehensive care and support to our senior citizens, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. It encompasses various initiatives”, she said.
She further stated that the Program will prioritize training and capacity-building for healthcare professionals and caregivers, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to older adults and “by investing in our healthcare workforce, we can ensure that our seniors receive the best possible care and support”.
One of the major high points of the event was the inauguration of the first batch of training providers and centers and the inauguration of Chairman and Members of Geriatric Social Care Skills Council.
