Enhancing Elderly Care: Implementing the Spark of Life Model of Care in Nigeria

Elizabeth Aina-Scott, Founder HebronLove and Care Centres and HebronLove Elders Home, Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria

30th January, 2024 

Established in 2003, HebronLove and Care Centres began as a response to the unmet psychological and emotional needs of the elderly in Lagos. What started as two monthly meeting outlets has since burgeoned into a network of six branches across two cities by 2024, with an annual attendance of over eight hundred individuals including people with dementia.

Since adopting the Spark of Life Model of Care, HebronLove has evolved into a multi-dimensional organization, offering a range of services aimed at holistic well-being. Our initiatives include emotional support, psychological counseling sessions, and medical assistance via regular medical outreaches. We prioritize emotional well-being through daily interactions and the implementation of Spark of LifePrinciples, while also providing training to caregivers to ensure excellence in care delivery.

In line with our commitment to meeting the changing needs of the elderly, HebronLove expanded its services in September 2022 with the establishment of HebronLove Elders Home. This transition reflects our dedication to providing comprehensive care solutions, from community-based support to residential care, ensuring that every elderly individual receives the attention and care they deserve. As a result of this Model, our team are now driven by a passion for improving the lives of the elderly, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide compassionate care and support to this cherished demographic.

Undertaking the Spark of Life Master Leadership Program to learn how to implement the Model not only enabled me to enhance the care for my service, but it helped me understand on a personal level how to support a close family member with dementia. The knowledge I acquired during the program gave me a profound insight into what the issues are for those with dementia, and their personal needs. I learned to step into the shoes of the person with dementia with empathy and compassion, and provide the skilled care that enabled them to re-engage with life again.

HebronLove Elders Home offers unique aged care solutions for the elderly, with specialised care support for residents through the implementation of the Spark of Life Model of Care. Services available are Assisted Living, Dementia Care, Home Health Care, Respite Care, and Social Care Services. Our staff are trained to look without judgement at each resident, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. There is open interaction now between staff and management, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Outcomes in practice

Through implementing the Model our team has learned to recognize the inherent core emotional needs of each individual. By fostering empathetic interactions between caregivers and residents, we create a nurturing environment where residents feel loved, valued, and empowered.

Our practice has shown remarkable results, with some residents experiencing “rementia” – the recovery of lost abilities when the social and emotional environment becomes more supportive and understanding. In addition, the Spark of Life Education has given us a solution to emotional distress and behaviours.

We advocate for a collaborative approach where the Spark of Life Model of Care is integrated into the broader healthcare system. By addressing the emotional needs of individuals, we have observed this enhances the effectiveness of medical interventions and improves overall well-being in people with dementia.

Conclusion

Implementing the Spark of Life Model of Care in Nigeria offers valuable insights into enhancing elderly care practices, particularly for individuals living with dementia. By embracing principles of individuality, compassion, and addressing emotional needs, caregivers and healthcare professionals can create a supportive and empowering environment that promotes dignity, respect, and quality of life for elderly individuals. Moreover, the Model underscores the importance of effective leadership, an uplifting organizational culture, and strategic alignment in achieving positive outcomes for elderly care.

Recommendations

As policymakers and stakeholders convene at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 to address the challenges of aging populations, the lessons learned from the Nigerian experience with the Spark of Life Model of Care can inform global efforts to improve elderly care systems and promote a more inclusive, compassionate, and age-friendly society for all.

I urge Government Leaders and Policymakers to consider the Spark of Life Model of Care as a valuable addition to global efforts in dementia care. Together, we can create a world where individuals living with dementia are treated with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve.

The benefits to Africans are numerous, and with more trained hands, we can provide quality psychosocial care. This would enable us to facilitate that African older adults including those with dementia can extend their productive life, adding meaning and a renewed ‘spark’ to their older years.