Life Satisfaction Assessment of Elderly Living in Geriatric Homes: Case Study of a Geriatric Home in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Due to the gradual extinction of the extended family system, many Nigerian elderly now live in geriatric homes. The main objective of the study was to assess the level of life satisfaction of the elderly living in a geriatric home; while the specific ones were to identify the factors responsible for their level of satisfaction, the antecedents of being residents of the home, and their perception of living in a geriatric home. This study was conducted in a geriatric home at Akobo, Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria. An exploratory, descriptive design was used to elicit data from thirteen participants using In-depth Interview. Out of the twenty-two elderly persons in the home: fifteen met the inclusion criteria and two declined to participate. Hence, only thirteen were interviewed. The mean level of life satisfaction of the participants was 23.60 + 4.09, which meant majority of them were generally satisfied; Illness, childlessness and loneliness were found to affect their life satisfaction. All the participants said either chronic illness or loneliness was the major reason for them residing in the home; and 53.8% of the participants had poor perception about the home, mainly due to movement restriction in the home and lack of a private life. In conclusion, all participants hope to leave the home to re-unite and live with their loved ones. It is therefore imperative for all stakeholders to put necessary measures in place, to strengthen family institution, monitor operation of geriatric homes and elaborate the training of health professionals in geriatric care.