Blog

As the ‘japa’ trend gains momentum, there is an increasing demand for caregiving services.

  • Post category:Travel

The rising trend of Nigerians migrating abroad, known as the ‘japa’ phenomenon, is creating opportunities and driving demand for caregivers, particularly in the field of homecare for the elderly. As many Nigerians leave the country, there is a growing need for care services for their aging parents and relatives who remain behind.

Gbeminiyi Olaolu-Adewale, CEO of Full Circle Geriatric Care Services, highlighted that the increasing number of young people leaving Nigeria results in a significant population of abandoned and dependent seniors in need of care. This trend has fueled the demand for caregivers, particularly since the ‘japa’ wave began.

The demand for caregivers is further driven by the rising rate of working women. In the past, women were typically available to care for children and elderly family members, but with more women entering the workforce, there is a gap in caregiving support.

Nigeria has a substantial elderly population, with projections indicating that the number of Nigerians aged 65 and older will triple by 2050. A significant portion of this population battles illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, and arthritis, requiring assistance and care.

Many Nigerians who have migrated abroad hire caregivers for their elderly parents. The distance and lack of immediate family members available to provide care necessitate the employment of caregivers.

The caregiving industry in Nigeria, although still in its early stages and largely informal and unregulated, was estimated to be worth $9 billion in 2019 and expected to triple by 2021. Startups like Greymate Care are leveraging technology to disrupt the homecare industry by connecting clients with vetted caregivers.

Some Nigerians are investing in retirement and care homes to cater to the needs of the elderly. While several homes for the elderly have emerged in major cities across Nigeria, only a few have the capacity to deliver high-quality care.

Globally, the home healthcare market is projected to reach $634.9 billion by 2030, indicating the growing significance of caregiving services.

Tags:

This Post Has 30 Comments

Leave a Reply