Medical Outreach to Saint Joachim and Anne Nursing Home
Our recent visit to the Saint Joachim and Anne Nursing Home was marked by a warm reception from the gracious director and a few residents. Commencing the visit with introductions, we took the opportunity to share insights about our foundation, its objectives, and the purpose of our visit. Recognizing the prevalent stigma associated with nursing homes in Nigeria, where a strong family-oriented culture often emphasizes children caring for their elderly parents, we acknowledged the challenges faced by these homes. Elderly residents, unfortunately, are sometimes viewed as abandoned, contributing to the need for a shift in societal perceptions. Our commitment to mental health was underlined in a brief talk on the importance of maintaining a positive disposition in the face of life’s trials, as well as having a positive outlook on life. Understanding the importance of encouragement , we offered words of solace and joined in prayer with the residents.
As a gesture of support, we presented the nursing home with a collection of essential items aimed at enhancing their quality of life. We presented them with practical donations: a blender, six packs of adult diapers, a smart neck massager, two packs of toilet rolls, a carton of detergent, and eighteen bars of Dettol antiseptic soap, our donations were intended to alleviate some of the challenges faced by both residents and caregivers. Following the presentation, we embarked on a tour of the facility, where the cleanliness and serenity deeply impressed us. Expressing our admiration and gratitude to the dedicated caregivers, we acknowledged the challenging nature of their work.
Insights into Nursing Home Challenges and Sustainability
During our conversation with the director, we gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by the nursing home. Originally run by the Catholic Church and offered as a free service, the facility faced sustainability issues as some families took advantage of the free model, leaving their parents without contributing to their well-being. To address this, the nursing home had to institute a fee-based model, charging N50,000 per month for continent residents and N100,000 per month for incontinent residents, payable annually in advance and nonrefundable.
Further conversation with the director shed light on pressing issues such as unreliable electricity supply hindering food preservation and general daily operations, the exorbitant costs of adult diapers and the low rate of remuneration of the nursing home workers. The director also highlighted the difficulties in maintaining cleanliness, especially with incontinent residents and those battling dementia. Additionally, the relentless battle against bedsores sometimes necessitated hospital transfers for advanced treatment, underscoring the complex healthcare needs of the residents. Expressing gratitude for the open discussion and warm reception, we acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the director and caregivers. Understanding the ongoing challenges, we expressed our desire to make our visits an annual tradition, aiming to contribute to the well-being of the residents while alleviating some of the burdens faced by the nursing home staff.