Lagos extends financial aid, healthcare to elderly caregivers

File photo: General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal

The Lagos State Government has extended financial assistance and free healthcare to older persons with disabilities and elderly parents still caring for children with disabilities.

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs provided the support on Monday at the 2026 Older Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Caregivers Support Programme, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the programme targeted two groups facing distinct challenges: older people living with disabilities and ageing parents who continue to bear the responsibility of caring for children with disabilities, even in their later years.

LASODA General Manager Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said the initiative was designed to address the needs of a population whose challenges are often overlooked.

She said the theme, “Ageing with Dignity,” aimed to highlight the welfare of older persons with disabilities and elderly caregivers.

Beneficiaries received financial assistance and free medical services, including dental screening, consultations, scaling and polishing, blood pressure checks, and basic medications.

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The programme also featured health education sessions on the challenges of older persons with disabilities and elderly caregivers, as well as hypertension management among older adults.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the government had a responsibility to ensure that ageing people and those living with disabilities in the state are not deprived of dignity, care and inclusion.

“As a responsive government that leaves no one behind, in line with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, we must bring succour to our elderly citizens with disabilities and ensure they continue to enjoy dignity, care and inclusion in society,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, 75-year-old Eyitayo Aridegbe, said the intervention gave them access to dental care he had never received in his lifetime.

“I have never undergone dental screening, scaling and polishing in my 75 years. I thank the agency for the services and financial assistance,” Aridegbe said.

The intervention comes as elderly caregivers face the demands of providing continued care for family members with disabilities while contending with the challenges associated with ageing themselves.