Community versus family support in caregiving of older adults: implications for social work practitioners in South-East Nigeria

Ebimgbo, Samuel O.; Atama, Chiemezie S.; Igboeli, Emeka E.; Obi-Keguna, Christy N.; Odo, Casmir Obinna

doi:10.1080/13668803.2021.1926222

Cited by 16 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Furthermore, maintaining one’s family legacy of caregiving adds another layer of distinctness to this finding from the Western gerontology literature, in that informal caregiving is revered in traditional African communities. Therefore, abandoning an immediate or extended family member attracts shame and disregard from the community ( 30 , 61 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults’ Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria

Ezulike,

Lu,

Chiu

2024

Innovation in Aging

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Background and Objectives Because of the global population ageing, more informal carers become older adults. In Nigeria, the African country with the largest population of adults aged 60 years and older, self-construal rooted in the African collectivist philosophy generally shape informal caregiving for older adults. However, there is a general paucity of studies on older adults’ informal caregiving roles, particularly about their motivations for caregiving. This study explored older adults’ motives for informal caregiving to their care recipients in urban Southeast Nigeria. Research Design and Methods This study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively selected older adults aged 54-88 who were the primary carers of other older adults in the family and community. The collected data were analyzed using van Manen’s thematic analysis method, using QSR NVivo 12 software. Results Four main themes emerged from the participants' responses: reciprocity of kindness, altruism, a sense of moral responsibility, and eagerness for peaceful longevity. The findings generally showed that religion and culture were the latent factors ingrained in these motivations for informal caregiving. Discussion and Implications While the African philosophy emphasises altruism, reciprocity seems more prominent in specific traditional African communities, as observed in Southeast Nigeria. It serves as a means to prioritise family members’ needs. The findings indicate the need for the government to establish sustainable programs and policies that support older people in their caregiving role. Doing so will enable carers to derive psychosocial gains from informal caregiving and sustain the caregiving culture of Nigeria.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults’ Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria

Ezulike,

Lu,

Chiu

2024

Innovation in Aging

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…According to Twikirize and Spitzer, (2019: p. 2), "the process of developing indigenous knowledges and cultural competence cannot first start with practice but with research and education then aim to integrate these knowledges and practice into the mainstream, teach them in classroom and competently apply them in practice". Mclaughlin and Teater (2017) noted that "the need for social workers to use research and implement evidence-informed practice is recognized internationally (p...6).Social work scholars in Nigeria are beginning to see the need for more evidence-based/informed research as a mean of creating awareness on various social issues and indigenous knowledge (Amasadun, 2020a;Amasadun, 2020b;Ebimgbo et al, 2021;Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2020a;Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2020b;Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2020c;Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2020d;Odo et al, 2021) Findings from this study suggest that the common understanding of indigenous knowledge is the knowledge based on people's way of life which overtime has provided them with the awareness of problem solving techniques. It is this awareness which had helped them to survive and develop sustainable means to coping capacity and problem solving (Amadasun, 2020a;Onlau & Okoye, 2021;Nnama-Okechukwu & Erhumwunse 2021;Spitzer &Twikiriz, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Care for the elderly was family-based rather than institutional and such was undertaken by the extended family that shared a common belief that elders are the custodian of indigenous knowledge and thus need to be cared for in a family-environment for the propagation of the legacy of the family (Ebimgbo et al, 2019;Ebimgbo et al, 2021;Okoye, 2012;Okoye 2013). A common practice in pre-colonial Nigeria communities is the fostering of children by elderly persons as a form of social security at old age and socialization process for the younger generation.…”

Section: Pre-colonial Social Service In Nigeriamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Households with elderly persons foster children so that such children can in turn support them when they are aged and can no longer care for themselves. This indigenous practice was acceptable and prevalent in various communities and undertaken due to cultural expectations, need and mutual respect for the elderly (Nwokocha& Michael, 2015;Olaore&Drolet, 2016;Ebimgbo et al, 2021).…”

Section: Pre-colonial Social Service In Nigeriamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are vast social work studies in Nigeria and Africa that have brought to the public domain indigenous knowledge on elderly care, alternative child care, management of pandemic, and environmental sustainability (Amadasun, 2020a;Ebimgbo et al, 2021;Magosa &Shokane, 2019;Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2020: Nnama-Okechukwu& Okoye 2019Nnama-Okechukwu et al, 2018;Okoye, 2012;Okoye, 2013Okoye &Agwu, 2019Olaore&Drolet, 2016;Spitzer, 2019;. More indigenous knowledge is however still needed in the curriculum of social work education in Africa to ensure the transfer from one generation to another through oral, spiritual, practical, visual and recorded means (Magosa,2017;Shara and Manyike,2018).…”

Section: Exploratory Research On Indigenous Knowledge In Social Work ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Indigenous knowledge and social work education in Nigeria: made in Nigeria or made in the West?

Nnama‐Okechukwu

McLaughlin

2022

Social Work Education

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Social work education in Nigeria is largely dominated by Eurocentric knowledge, theories and beliefs. This has led to a one-sided narrative where Eurocentric ideologies are advanced and indigenous knowledges often sidelined in academic curricula. This non-inclusive teaching and learning methodology acts as a continuous (re)colonization process where knowledge from Europe is imported and planted in the African academy. To contribute to the discussion for indigenous knowledge, this study researched the need for indigenous knowledges in social work education in Nigeria using 18 semi-structured interviews. Participants for the study were made up of 4 social work educators, 10 social work students and 4 social work practitioners. Major findings affirmed that social work education and practice in Nigeria was anchored by Western ideologies rather than indigenous knowledge. It was evident from research findings that indigenous knowledges need to be made more transparent in social work curriculum in Nigeria. Overall, indigenous and Western knowledges need to be blended in the present social work curriculum in Nigeria to ensure the best of both and to off avoid the "danger of a single story"

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Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

Oyinlola

2024

Public Health Challenges

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Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.

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Community versus family support in caregiving of older adults: implications for social work practitioners in South-East Nigeria

Cited by 16 publications

References 29 publications

Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults’ Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria

Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults’ Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria

Indigenous knowledge and social work education in Nigeria: made in Nigeria or made in the West?

Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

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