Elder Abuse and the Crisis of Institutional Neglect in Kwara State

• In Event: Aging and the Life Course Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): 12: Structural Barriers and Vulnerability among Older Adults

Abstract

Elder abuse is a phenomenon best understood as a systemic problem. It shows that the challenges experienced by elderly care in Nigeria stem from issues such as limited-service capacity, inadequate social protection, and weak administrative performance, as opposed to isolated incidents of abuse. This stresses the importance of policy systems such as senior-friendly grievance systems, healthcare funding, and regular pension schemes, which are yet to be effectively implemented. The improper implementation of these policies has led to a backlash on health and social care for the elderly. This paper examines key challenges, such as limited clinical support, high transportation costs and financial constraints, which contribute to these inconsistencies, highlighting the immediate areas needing intervention.

Drawing on qualitative case studies from Kwara State, this paper identified a pattern of neglect faced by the elderly, as well as experience isolation and resource constraints, which shows a deep unveiling of consequences such as depression, suicidal thinking, build-up of infections due to inability to access medication.

The findings show that long-term societal distrust, constraints on activities to keep the body fit, and suicidal thinking among the older population are all resultant effects of neglect.
The paper therefore suggests recommendations such as healthcare system fixes, policy reform, and social protection were provided on how abuse and neglect can be eliminated among the elderly in Kwara state.

Author

• Felicia Olabisi Awolola, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.