In her quiet flat in the UK, Tamuno sat alone, scrolling through emails from care homes in Nigeria. The cool British air seeped through the window, a stark contrast to the warmth she remembered from home. Most of her family was in the UK now, busy with their lives, leaving her days filled with solitude. Yet, her heart ached for Nigeria—the land of her childhood, where the sun kissed her skin, and the sounds of her native tongue filled the air.

She had taken the brave step of contacting care facilities in Ogun State, seeking a place where she could be cared for in her later years. The emails were polite, professional, and filled with promises of comfort and care. But as she read through them, doubt began to creep in. Was she making the right decision? Would they genuinely understand her needs? Could she really leave behind the life she had built in the UK to return to a country she hadn’t lived in for decades?

But as she scrolled through photos of lush green gardens and warm, welcoming faces, Tamuno felt a gentle reassurance. The pull of home was too strong to ignore. Perhaps this was her path, a return to the roots that had nourished her soul. With a deep breath, she whispered to herself, “I’m going home.”

Making the decision to admit a loved one or yourself into an elderly care home or seeking elderly care services often comes with a mix of doubt and uncertainty. Elderly care is crucial in supporting our older adults, yet many Nigerians are still unfamiliar with the full scope of services it offers. Instead, we often rely on family members or children from less privileged homes to step in as caregivers.

This hesitation stems from a lack of understanding about what elderly care truly involves and how it can benefit seniors. To clarify things, here’s a rundown of the different types of elderly care services.

Elderly care encompasses a wide range of services designed to meet seniors’ emotional, physical, and mental needs. The focus is on recognising each individual’s unique requirements and providing personalised support to ensure their later years are filled with comfort, health, and happiness.

Below is a list of the most common elderly care services.

Home Care

Home care, often called domiciliary care, allows seniors to receive personalised support in the comfort of their own homes. This service includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. Home care can be provided by family members or professional caregivers, ensuring that seniors get the help they need while staying in a familiar environment.

Benefits

• Consistency: Seniors can maintain their daily routines, which they have established over the years, in a familiar setting.
• Comfort: Being at home offers a sense of comfort and security.
• Safety: Regular check-ins by loved ones reduce the risk of neglect or maltreatment.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is for seniors who need some help with daily tasks but still want to live independently. These facilities offer meals, 24/7 supervision, protection, and medical care. Residents typically have their own apartments or rooms within a community, complete with shared spaces like dining rooms and recreational areas, encouraging social interaction. 

Though both home care and assisted living offer seniors a feeling of independence, home care provides more personalised assistance at the older adults’ home, while assisted living offers care in a community setting with medical support and social activities.

Benefits

• Personal Space: Seniors have their own rooms or apartments to make their own.
• Social Life: Living among peers encourages friendships and social activities.
• Support: Help is always available when needed.

Independent Living

Independent living is great for seniors who are mostly self-sufficient but enjoy being part of a community and want additional support. These communities offer separate condos or apartments for residents and provide a great environment for active retirees.

Independent living and assisted living may seem similar since both operate in a communal setting, but they differ in structure. In assisted living, seniors live under the same roof and follow a set schedule for meals and daily activities. 

Independent living offers more flexibility, with seniors living in separate apartments or condos, managing their routines, and receiving basic support like help with chores if needed.

Benefits

• Community Support: Beyond family, there’s a whole community to lean on.
• Freedom: Seniors enjoy their independence with some extra help available.
• Social Opportunities: Plenty of chances to join in activities and meet new people.

Nursing Home

Nursing homes are designed for seniors who need constant medical care and help with daily activities. Skilled nurses provide 24/7 care, making these facilities suitable for both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation after illness or injury. 

Benefits

• Continuous Care: Around-the-clock medical and personal care is provided.
• Safety: A secure environment with trained staff reduces the risk of accidents.
• Specialised Care: Professionals trained in conditions like dementia ensure that residents receive appropriate care.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care offers daytime care, entertainment, and social activities for seniors during the day. Seniors visit during the day and leave before closing time. This service allows primary caregivers to attend to other responsibilities, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and engaging environment. 

Benefits

• Caregiver Relief: Family members can take a break while their loved ones are cared for.
• Social Interaction: Seniors enjoy companionship and activities that boost mental health.
• Health Support: Basic medical care and personal assistance are provided as needed.

Memory Care

Memory care is a specialised service for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of Dementia. Caregivers are trained to provide both personal and medical assistance while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Activities are designed to help maintain cognitive function.

Benefits

• Expert Care: Caregivers are skilled in handling memory-related conditions.
• Stability: Consistent routines help reduce confusion and stress.
• Comprehensive Care: Regular health check-ups ensure all needs are met.

Hospice

Hospice, or end-of-life care, focuses on comfort for seniors or anyone with a terminal illness. The facility offers care and counselling to help make the last days of the patient’s life comfortable. This service can be provided at home or in a specialised residence and includes medical care, emotional support, and counselling for both the patient and their family.

Benefits:

• Comfort: Pain and symptoms are managed to ensure a peaceful end-of-life experience.
• Personalised Care: Services are tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.
• Emotional Support: Counselling is available for patients and their families to help them through this difficult time.
• Focuses on improving overall well-being, comfort, and quality of life through a combination of medical, emotional, and social support.

Respite Care

Respite care is offered to give family members and other primary caregivers a break from caring for their seniors. It offers temporary relief for family caregivers by providing professional care for seniors for a short period. This service can be provided at home, in adult day care, or in a residential facility.

Benefits

• Caregiver Renewal: Family caregivers can take time for themselves and recharge.
• Stress Relief: Taking a break helps prevent caregiver burnout.
• Quality Care: Seniors continue to receive the care they need while their caregivers rest.

Residential Care

Residential care is the care provided for a senior in a care home. It consists of looking after the older adult around the clock, helping with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, medication management and much more. It’s ideal for seniors who need constant assistance and can no longer live independently. Residential care ensures seniors are supported, safe, and surrounded by a caring community.

Benefits

• Social Interaction: Living in a care home gives seniors the chance to socialise and reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Family Relief: It eases the burden on family members, giving them peace of mind while their loved one receives the care they need.
• Continuous Support: Care workers are always on hand to provide assistance and ensure the seniors’ well-being.

Understanding the different types of elderly care helps you make informed decisions that suit both your senior’s needs and your family’s circumstances. Elderly care services are designed to be flexible, accommodating a wide range of needs and preferences.

At @Ìtọ́jú, we provide a variety of affordable services tailored to your loved one’s needs. From long-term residential care to short-term respite care and domiciliary home care with trained professional caregivers, we ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care in a serene and supportive environment.

For more information about elderly care and advice on what might be right for your loved one, reach out to us today.