In Lagos, older people are mostly cared for by their families, at home. Care homes are few and many families would not consider one. That puts the work on children and relatives, often while they hold down jobs or live abroad.
Care at home
- Make the house safe: rails in the bathroom, good lighting, no loose rugs, a bedroom on the ground floor if stairs are hard.
- A caregiver — a live-in or day carer — helps with daily living. Take references, check identity, agree duties and pay in writing, and visit unannounced.
- A rota among family, so no one person carries it all.
Health
- A regular doctor, and a list of every medicine, dose and condition, kept where the carer can find it.
- Home visits: some doctors, nurses and physiotherapists visit.
- Health cover: check whether their insurance covers them at their age, and what it excludes.
- Emergencies: know which hospital to go to, and keep their details and medicines list ready.
Health insurance Seeing a doctor
Caring from abroad
Many Lagos parents have children overseas. A trusted person on the ground, a regular video call, money sent on a set day, and a caregiver who reports to you make long-distance care work.
The paperwork, while you can
- Their pension: who the PFA is, and who the beneficiaries are. Your pension and your RSA
- A will, written and kept where the family knows.
- A power of attorney, so someone can manage their affairs if they cannot.
- Their documents: NIN, passport, property papers and bank details, in one safe place.