Impact of Care-Homes on the Psychological and Social State of Elderly Residents of Care-Homes in Nigeria (Published)
This study aims to determine the impact of care-homes on the psychological and social state of residents of care-homes in Lagos state Nigeria. The design employed for the research was the survey approach and a sample of 150 elderly residents of care homes were selected in 8 care-homes in the State. A validated instrument titled “Questionnaire on the impact of care-homes on the psychological and social state of the elderly” was used to collect the data. Analysis was carried on the data collected employing the t-test. From the results obtained it was established that there is a significant difference between the psychological and social state of aged residents of care-homes and aged individuals residing with their relations. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations were made which include; regular counseling services should be provided for the aged residents in care-homes to help tackle the psychological challenges they face due to the aging, care-givers should assist the aged residents through social services that will aid adjust to the challenges of aging and the operations of the care-home institution, The government must involve itself in the care of the aged in the society by building and providing facilities and subsidizing medications, the government should introduce policies that seek to improve the conditions of the aged in the society such as the effective implementation of the national policy on the aged, non-government organizations and government should organize regular training of care-givers as a strategy to improve the psycho-social status of the residents of these homes.
Keywords: Elderly, Psychological State, care homes, social state