Gender differences in seniors’ preferences and expectations of home care in Lagos state Nigeria
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Date
2014-09
Authors
Amaike, G.O.
Bammeke, O.
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Abstract
Nigerians often prefer home care to institutional care because of negative attitude associated with public assisted institutional care. If older persons prefer to live in their own homes, then home care is imperative. This study examines differences in home care services in Lagos State; as well as identifies the factors that influence the expectations of older men and women in this respect. Since institutional care is not socially accepted, then there is a gap between what Nigerian elders want and the ability of the society to meet this need. Generally, Nigerian elders prefer to live in their own homes rather than be subjected to ‘inhuman treatment’ in institutions. Therefore, it is important to consider types of home care services available to older people in their own homes, the source(s) of this care and the preferences of older men and women which also shape their expectations. Home care is imperative because as people grow older, they require more care and support in order to cope with increasing frailty and diminishing socio-economic status associated with ageing process. With diminishing capacity of older people to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs), in-home care becomes attractive. In high-income countries like the US, home care is both popular and accepted as the norm and it is often provided by the State or individuals or groups. In Nigeria, home care is evolving as an important alternative. This paper answers questions such as: What is the nature of home care available to older men and women? Are there gender differences in the delivery of home care? What types of care do older men and women prefer in old age? Who do elders wish to provide this care? At what point do elderly men and women in Nigeria require help with activities of daily living (ADLs)? What are the expectations of men and women as they age in terms of preferred choice of care? We expect the responses of men and women to vary in this regards. The paper presents data from a self-report of older men and women using cross-sectional survey in 20 local government areas in Lagos State. Modernization theory and life span theory are adopted as theoretical tools. It is expected that findings will sensitize major stakeholders towards care needs, expectations and preferences of older men and women in Lagos State, Nigeria.
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Scholarly article
Keywords
institutional care , Home care services , Inhuman treatment , Elders , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES
Citation
Amaike, B., & Bammeke, F. (2014). Gender differences in seniors’ preferences and expectations of home care in Lagos state Nigeria. The Journal of Ageing in Emerging Economies, 4(2), 5-31.