Distinguishing Abuse from Caregiving in Rural Nigeria: Older Adults’ Perspectives

In Nigeria, older adults face numerous challenges that undermine their well-being and overall life satisfaction. These challenges include but are not limited to health challenges due to biological consequences of ageing, ageing stereotypes, abuse, and neglect. This study explored abuse of rural-dwelling older persons within informal caregiving settings, focusing on older adults' perspectives of some caregiving styles adopted by their caregivers. Data were obtained using semi-structured interviews with 16 older adults 60 years and above, in a rural community in Awgu Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu state. The data were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that some abusive behaviours that pass as appropriate caregiving styles include restricted movements, forcing older people to eat or take medications and collecting their money/properties. Most of the sampled older adults were found to have negative perceptions about these caregiving styles, while other participants downplayed them as a regular caregiving pattern. The study recommends that caregivers undergo training on appropriate styles for caring for their older adults in rural Nigeria.