Background of the Study
The provision of elderly care has evolved significantly as demographic shifts and rising life expectancy demand more personalized healthcare solutions (Jibril & Musa, 2023). In Kaduna State, two dominant care modalities have emerged: hospital-based care, which offers structured clinical services, and home-based care, which provides care within the familial and community context. Both models have their unique advantages and challenges. Hospital-based care is typically characterized by the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, specialized medical staff, and comprehensive emergency services (Abubakar et al., 2024). However, the institutional nature of hospitals can sometimes lead to impersonal care, increased risk of hospital-acquired infections, and higher costs (Lawal & Yusuf, 2024).
Conversely, home-based care is increasingly recognized for its personalized approach, allowing elderly patients to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored medical and non-medical support (Sani, 2023). Nevertheless, this modality may suffer from issues related to the availability of skilled caregivers, limited access to sophisticated medical equipment, and potential neglect of complex medical conditions that require intensive intervention (Ibrahim, 2025). Recent debates in the literature highlight the need for comparative research to determine which care model yields better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost efficiency in the context of Kaduna State (Usman & Suleiman, 2023).
The study aims to critically assess the effectiveness of these two care modalities by comparing key performance indicators such as recovery rates, patient satisfaction, incidence of complications, and overall quality of life. Moreover, the research will examine the socio-cultural factors that influence the acceptance and sustainability of each care model. With rapid changes in healthcare delivery systems and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases among the elderly, it is crucial to understand how these care modalities can be optimized to meet the unique needs of Kaduna State’s aging population (Garba et al., 2024). This research is expected to contribute to the body of knowledge by providing evidence-based insights that can inform both clinical practices and policy formulations, ensuring that elderly care services are both effective and accessible.
Statement of the Problem
In Kaduna State, elderly care has emerged as a critical area of focus due to the increasing number of aging individuals and the corresponding rise in age-related health complications (Jibril & Musa, 2023). While hospital-based care is traditionally seen as the gold standard, it is not without its drawbacks, such as high operational costs, potential for depersonalized care, and increased exposure to hospital-acquired conditions. On the other hand, home-based care offers a familiar environment and a degree of comfort; however, it is often marred by a lack of medical oversight and limited access to emergency interventions (Lawal & Yusuf, 2024).
The problem centers on the absence of clear evidence as to which model—hospital-based or home-based care—yields better outcomes for elderly patients in Kaduna State. Existing studies tend to focus on either one model in isolation or present findings that are not contextually grounded in the socio-cultural realities of Kaduna State (Sani, 2023). This gap in the literature creates challenges for healthcare administrators and policymakers who must allocate limited resources efficiently while ensuring the best possible care for the elderly.
Furthermore, with the growing emphasis on patient-centered care, understanding the comparative effectiveness of these two modalities becomes increasingly urgent. Issues such as caregiver competency, cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and the quality of life are central to this debate. Without robust comparative data, decisions regarding resource allocation, training of healthcare professionals, and support for family caregivers remain largely speculative (Ibrahim, 2025). Therefore, this study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap by directly comparing hospital-based and home-based elderly care in Kaduna State, thereby providing actionable insights that can guide improvements in elderly care delivery systems.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on elderly individuals (aged 60 and above) in Kaduna State, comparing two care models. Data sources will include hospital records, home care service reports, patient surveys, and interviews with caregivers. Limitations may include sample size constraints, potential respondent bias, and regional variations that might limit the generalizability of findings beyond Kaduna State.
Definitions of Terms
Chapter One: Introduction
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