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Our Journey of Systems Change

Improving the system of care for older persons in remote and rural communities across Nigeria.

The problem

A traditional support system in decline

Family-based elder care is on the decline in Nigeria. An estimated 6.3 million rural Nigerians aged 60+ are vulnerable today — a number expected to triple by 2050 — and two-thirds of them need daily support due to health issues.

In 2017, 45% of surveyed older persons reported feeling lonely and isolated, yet access to essential health and social services remains severely limited by scarce resources and out-of-pocket costs.

Rural elder care in Nigeria
Our approach

An innovative solution to a systemic problem

Our model delivers an integrated, person-centred system of community care — incorporating medical, social, recreational rehabilitation and social work support for older persons in rural Nigeria, while accounting for the social determinants of health.

Adult Day Centres

Community-based social and health support for older adults in a safe, friendly setting.

In-Home Support & Respite

Helping older people remain at home with dignity, and giving family carers a well-earned break.

Reimagining rural ageing

New standards of care, developed with local communities, to help older persons live dignified, independent lives.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Initiative

A pilot programme that gives older persons the knowledge and skills to make informed health decisions, strengthen self-care, and adopt healthier habits that slow disease progression.

National leadership

Building a coalition, setting the standard

Through health education and our chronic-disease self-management initiative, many older persons we work with have developed the ability to promote and maintain their own health — a vital part of ageing in place that we aim to replicate across our region and, eventually, the whole country.

We recognised that independent work alone wasn't enough to drive systems change. Our founder helped initiate the Association of Care Service Providers to Older Persons in Nigeria (ACSPOPIN), a coalition of 60 member organizations.

Leveraging our founder's position as ACSPOPIN's National President, the association developed Nigeria's first-ever Aged Care Quality Standards and Regulation manual, submitted to relevant authorities for adoption.

El-Aged Care national leadership and coalition work
The results

Impact & Achievements

60
Nigerian care providers
4,428
People supported with home care
15
Friends of the Elderly
5
Partner organizations
What's next

Looking Ahead

We're expanding our reach to meet the evolving needs of older persons across Nigeria, with a continued focus on rural communities.

Hospice & palliative care

A planned Hospice Service offering compassionate end-of-life care — pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and family counselling — for older persons with life-limiting conditions.

Growing our care home & hospital

Increasing capacity and clinical capability at our Geriatric Care Home and Charity Hospital Services to reach more people with more comprehensive support.

Policy advocacy & engagement

Advocating for supportive public policy on care standards and caregiver protections, backed by awareness campaigns and caregiver training run with government and civil-society partners.

Geographic expansion

Replicating programmes like the Adult Day Centre and our self-management initiative in additional states, establishing regional centres of excellence in community care.

Capacity building & training

Investing in professional development and certification for health workers, community volunteers and family caregivers who support Nigeria's growing ageing population.

Read about our advocacy work

See how we're changing attitudes toward ageing at the community level.

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