A firm, Into Skills for Care and Corporate Limited, has called for improved care services in Nigeria.
The firm in collaboration with care organisations in the United Kingdom, is training Nigerians on acceptable care standard for the elderly and children.
A director in the firm, Ms. Titilayo Shonubi, who decried the lack of professional care services in Nigeria, said it was high time Nigeria and Nigerians adopted professional care services, especially for the elderly, so they can live more meaningful lives.
She said: “In Nigeria, we see keeping our elderly ones in a care home as a taboo but that is wrong. It is high time we begin to see the advantages in doing so.
“Most people work nine to five jobs and their elderly ones just sit at home bored but, when in a care home, they will relate with their peers and continue with activities they loved to do. These activities will help to stimulate their brains and earn them more active years.
“Moreso, having professional care homes in Nigeria would help to ease the stress of caring off the children. That is why Into Skills for Care is training people to become professionals in this field. We train you on the 15 standard care certificate which is the minimum certificates needed to work in the UK.”
Another Director in the company, Tomi Banjoko, explained that the firm was especially using the tier two visa opportunity offered by the UK for healthcare professionals to give more Nigerians the opportunity to relocate to the UK
She added: “This training would help Nigerians get into the UK easily by becoming care givers. The UK recently launched its tier two visa where they bringing in healthcare professionals from all over the world due to a shortage of healthcare staff.
“We train people and help with other important aspects of their relocation while working with about five care firms in the UK looking to recruiting and link our trainees with them. These firms cater for whatever is needed for the relocation, including an initial three-year visa, one month accommodation, health insurance, among other benefits.
“The six weeks training is based on UK standard so our trainees are familiar with questions when they attend interviews. We also work on their curriculum vitae so they are relevant to the positions being applied for and are more attractive to prospective employers.
“About 32 persons were trained in the first batch, training of the second batch of 30 candidates is ongoing, while another class will start on April 16.”
A trainee, Linda Papo, said the training opened her eyes to the care world, especially for the elderly, with her mother being her first patient.
She added: “It was through this training that I was able to properly care for my mother who had dementia and diabetes. I have had three placements so far and now I can say I have a career in the care field.
“I’m also glad about this care certificate because it is also a step further into the career.”