Background of the study:
Communal caregiving is a hallmark of many Nigerian communities, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on collective responsibility for the welfare of the elderly. In Ikom Local Government, Cross River State, family and community networks play a central role in providing care and support to older adults. Such caregiving practices, which include shared household responsibilities, emotional support, and traditional health remedies, have been associated with positive health outcomes among the elderly (Chinedu, 2023; Nnaji, 2024). However, rapid social changes, urban migration, and the evolving dynamics of family structures challenge these traditional support systems. Recent research highlights that while communal caregiving can promote mental and physical well-being, it may also lead to caregiver burnout and resource constraints (Okafor, 2025). This study aims to appraise the impact of communal caregiving on elderly health outcomes, identifying both the benefits and challenges, and to suggest strategies for sustaining effective caregiving practices in a changing social landscape (Ifeoma, 2023).
Statement of the problem:
In Ikom, communal caregiving plays a crucial role in elderly care; however, the sustainability of these practices is challenged by modern socio-economic changes. Limited resources, caregiver fatigue, and shifting family dynamics may compromise the quality of care provided to the elderly. These challenges necessitate an examination of how communal caregiving impacts health outcomes among older adults and what strategies can support caregivers in this evolving context (Ebele, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the impact of communal caregiving on elderly health outcomes.
To identify challenges faced by communal caregivers.
To recommend strategies to sustain effective caregiving practices.
Research questions:
How does communal caregiving influence elderly health outcomes in Ikom?
What challenges do caregivers face in the current socio-economic environment?
What interventions can support sustainable caregiving practices?
Research Hypotheses:
Communal caregiving is positively correlated with improved elderly health outcomes.
Caregiver challenges significantly affect the quality of care.
Support interventions can enhance the sustainability of communal caregiving.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it provides a comprehensive appraisal of communal caregiving practices and their impact on elderly health outcomes, offering policy recommendations to strengthen community support systems and improve the quality of elderly care (Uzo, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to assessing communal caregiving and its effects on elderly health outcomes in Ikom Local Government, focusing on local caregiving practices and challenges.
Definitions of terms:
Communal caregiving: A collective approach to providing care and support for the elderly by community members.
Elderly health outcomes: The physical and mental well-being of older adults.
Caregiver burnout: Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by those providing care.
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