NJSWE Paper

Economic growth is hinged on several factors. One of which is the reduced stress on those who are adding productively to the advancement and achievement of the overall development. These are those who are at the prime of their productive years, aged 15 – 54 years, estimated at about 54.71 % of the Sub Saharan Africa population with Nigeria contributing 54% of the population. Those in these age range have dependents (the elderly, 55 – 65 years) who constitute 7.08% of the Nigerian population. The concern of the researchers in this study is the rising neglect of this age group, the elderly; attributed partly to the decline in the extended family structure and socialization as more women previously with the major societal role of taking care of the aged are now empowered to work outside the home, thereby creating a gap in the care for the aged. These dependents (aged), if not properly cared for, are susceptible to other psycho emotional disturbances that can ultimately put them in stressful situation which may impair their healthy living. This act of inaction can thus have a ripple effect on the stability and productivity of their children and their personal economic growth. Hence, having a support system for the family within or outside the family as it is the current practice in the developed country may be needful. „In Nigeria we care for our own” is an acceptable slogan held by many and so the idea of a home/rehabilitation centre for the aged is seen as “Unafrican”. The major thrust of this paper is to show and discuss how the support and psycho social care of the aged is done in the setting, particularly in Nigeria. Also, the perception of social work interventions in homes and the challenges are further discussed in this study.