Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A non-governmental organisation, First Best Domiciliary Home Care World, has launched a home, to extend social care services to the aged and elders in Anambra State.
Ikengaonline reports that the move is to reduce the alarming rate at which elders and senior citizens die after retiring from active jobs in the country.
It is also aimed at increasing the lifespan of Nigerians who are increasingly dying off as a result of deprivations, loneliness, isolation, and depression that are taking their toll on older citizens in the country.
Speaking during the launch of the home in Awka, Arc Mike Nwafor, who chaired the event, disclosed that the programme will provide social care for the elders in the state and would equally end the ‘burials every weekend’ that is already becoming a norm in the state and larger society.
Arc Nwafor regretted that life expectancy in Nigeria stands at 57, showing obvious neglect for the aged population who, he said, are needed for meaningful contributions to society.
He said frequent deaths in Africa especially in Nigeria and Anambra State in particular, have been a result of uncaring attitudes and assault on the mental and physical health of the aged, thereby leading to their deaths, and abandoning of the children without care.
He also said the aged prefer care given to them in their homes; rather than taking them to a care home as it is done in other civilised societies. He said old people’s homes are built for their harbour hence, the organisation will help them to age successfully in their abode.
Also speaking, an international Director of the organisation and United States of America-based clinical psychologist, Prof Kanayo Ofodile, explained that the programme was designed to take care of the aged people in the state, who are abandoned by their children.
“Many aged persons are homeless, abandoned, lonely, unhealthy, and unkempt, hence, the establishment of this organisation.
“There is a need to start prioritising care for the elderly. We will be going around the state to pick up and cater for abandoned aged persons, and our trained social officers will be going to give home care to those who crave such services.”
Prof. Ofodile assured that his organisation will be applying spirituality, clinical formulation, and reasoning to improve the lives of the aged.
“Our society should not abandon the elderly, they are still very relevant.”
He commended the sensitivity of the present administration in Anambra State, which he said brings healthcare services closer to the people, especially the disadvantaged section. He promised to provide the necessary partnership to achieve the governor’s objectives in the state.
On his own, the Director of Care Services of First Best Domiciliary Home Care World, Mr. Ekene Mbah, said services of the home will satisfy many people who have longed for care services for their aged ones; who form part of the over 80% of the senile population that lack good domestic care, thereby spending old age all through in pains due to negligence or lack of trained caregiver in the society.
He urged the government and individuals to support the organisation to make its dream a reality as it would employ a new approach to taking care of the homes of the aged to cater to their needs and improve their lives.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, welcomed the partnership the organisation is providing through the home care services. He said the state has data on the aged population, adding that in addition to existing ones, more robust packages are being planned for their well-being.
