GUARDIAN NIGERIA
Training of 28 geriatric caregivers in social care skills, as the Nigerian government recently embarked upon, represents a pivotal step in enhancing the quality of care for senior citizens. The training was done in collaboration between the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The authorities need to organise more of such training and, more importantly, follow up to ensure maximum benefits for the growing population of elders.
As Nigeria stands on the cusp of an era marked by both opportunity and challenge, the way citizens treat the elderly will define the country’s collective humanity; because the journey towards a more compassionate Nigeria begins with the honour and care accorded those who have shaped the nation. As such, in the intricate tapestry of the nation’s progress, the care and inclusion of senior citizens demands immediate attention.
In organising trainings to equip caregivers with best global practices, government has identified lack of professional caregivers, especially to the old people as a major catalyst to the under development of social homes in the country. The former minister of humanitarian affairs and social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk stated this during a training of care givers working in old people’s homes from north west Nigeria, held in Kano State early 2023.
With the training, the Federal Government aims at equipping caregivers with best global practices.The former minister said old people’s mapping conducted last year, revealed that, care givers lack the required knowledge to take care of those in social homes, according to global standards.
According to her, the Nigerian Government was committed to ensuring that, state governments establish more social homes, to cater for the needs of the elderly in line with global standards. “Part of the recommendations after the mapping is the training of caregivers to equip them with the required knowledge to adopt international best practices,” she said.
The development marks a significant step towards professionalising care of the elderly in Nigeria. It symbolises Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that elders receive the compassionate and professional care they deserve; and this initiative aligns with global standards set forth by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasise the importance of elderly care and the elimination of age-related discrimination.
Albeit, while this initiative by the Nigerian government and various organizations to address the issue of enhanced and inclusive health care for senior citizens are commendable; they reveal an urgent need for a broader and more profound cultural shift because elderly individuals often face barriers in accessing healthcare, employment, and social services due to outdated perceptions that view them as burdens rather than valuable members of society.
As a result, stakeholders must also confront a troubling reality of the pervasive discrimination against older persons; and the government has a responsibility to challenge these stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and inclusion for older persons.Discrimination against the elderly is not just a form of social injustice but a stark contradiction to the values of dignity and respect that underpin our society.
Therefore, it is essential that this message resonates beyond trainings and policy statements; and transforms into tangible changes in attitudes and practices, because globally, the WHO underscores that ensuring a high quality of life for older adults is not merely a matter of medical care but also of social inclusion and respect.
Again, the SDGs, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), highlight that an equitable society must include provisions for all age groups, especially those who have contributed a lifetime of experience to our nation.
Hence, our approach to care for elderly must encompass more than just professional training. It requires a cultural shift towards recognizing the invaluable contributions of older citizens and integrating them into the fabric of our society. This means fostering environments where seniors are not only cared for but celebrated; where their voices are heard; and where their participation is valued.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s commitment to senior citizens will reflect the true measure of her progress as a nation. Therefore, this momentum is an opportunity to demonstrate that our values of compassion, respect, and equality extend across all stages of life. By embracing elders with the dignity they deserve, Nigerians affirm their collective humanity and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and caring society.
So, let this be the moment where government turnsits words into actions, its policies into practices, and its promises into realities. Let’s stride forward with unwavering resolve, making every effort to ensure that the elderly are not only seen but cherished.
As the country stands at a pivotal juncture regarding the treatment and care of its elderly population, it is necessary to harness the momentum from these initiatives to drive a larger transformation. The government, in partnership with communities, healthcare providers, and civil society, must work to dismantle ageist stereotypes and build a framework that supports the holistic well-being of the elderly. This involves not only enhancing training programmes but also creating inclusive policies, improving access to essential services, and promoting societal attitudes that honour the elderly.
