As Kenya's population ages, a pressing concern is emerging: who will care for elderly family members when work commitments keep relatives away? This question is crucial, given the country's changing demographics. A national care-assessment brief by KNBS and UN Women projects that Kenya's population aged 65 and above will triple by 2045. Many older individuals will remain independent, but households will increasingly require some form of support.
The responsibility of caregiving often falls unevenly on family members, with employed women bearing a significant burden. According to Kenya's 2021 Time Use Survey, employed women spent 4.2 hours a day on unpaid domestic and care work, compared to 48 minutes for employed men. These figures encompass not only eldercare but also housework and childcare. The survey highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities.
Families must have clear commitments and arrangements in place to ensure adequate care for elderly members. This may involve dividing responsibilities among relatives, with one person covering appointments and transport, another organizing meals, and others contributing to professional support. Employers can also play a role by allowing employees to discuss temporary caring responsibilities and workable arrangements, such as adjusted hours or flexibility.
Hospitals and healthcare providers have a critical role in discharge discussions, ensuring that patients receive necessary support at home. This includes identifying who will assist with daily activities, clinical nursing, or rehabilitation, and making arrangements for equipment and follow-up care. Patients and families should leave the hospital with a clear understanding of the support they need and how to access it.
Home-care providers must clearly explain their services, including the qualifications of caregivers, agreed duties, supervision, and replacement arrangements. Families need to understand the costs involved, including what is included in a daily rate and what additional services may be required. A review of the care arrangement should be conducted as the person's needs change.
Professional support should complement, rather than replace, family involvement. A nurse or caregiver may provide agreed services, while the family remains involved in appointments, decisions, and companionship. The person receiving care should have a say in these arrangements wherever possible. Counties and hospitals can help by making local referral information accessible, enabling families to access necessary services.
To address the gap in eldercare, Kenya needs better evidence on the needs of households, the services they can afford, and the impact of caregiving responsibilities on work. By listening to families and preparing for the challenges ahead, Kenya can develop effective solutions to support its aging population. The conversation on eldercare should involve families, employers, and healthcare providers to ensure that individuals can care for their loved ones while maintaining their income.
Key points
- Kenya's population aged 65 and above is projected to triple by 2045, necessitating a conversation on eldercare.
- The responsibility of caregiving often falls unevenly on family members, with employed women bearing a significant burden.
- Employers, hospitals, and healthcare providers have critical roles in supporting caregivers and ensuring that patients receive necessary care at home.
