Digital and AI tools in informal care: understanding caregivers’ experiences in rural Nigeria

Purpose Although informal caregiving for older adults is well-researched, a significant gap exists in understanding how informal caregivers navigate their caregiving roles with the help of digital technologies, especially in rural Nigeria, where internet connectivity is poor and access to digital devices is limited. This study aims to explore how informal caregivers in rural Nigeria use digital technology to support care for older adults. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected from 10 informal caregivers, using semi-structured interviews. The data were further analysed thematically using NVivo 14. Findings Results identified that caregivers use digital technology for communication and care coordination, learning and self-empowerment, responding to emergency situations, improving efficiency, reducing stress and maintaining contact between older adults and their diaspora family members. The study also found poor access and limited internet infrastructure as barriers to the use of digital technology to improve caregiving. Research limitations/implications Only caregivers in rural areas were interviewed. This excluded the experiences of caregivers in urban areas, who may face urban economic stressors that shape their overall caregiving experience and their use of digital technology for caregiving. Practical implications The findings highlight the potential of digital technology to support informal caregiving in rural Nigeria. Improving access to affordable digital devices, reliable internet connectivity and digital literacy can enhance care coordination, caregiver support, emergency response and communication with older adults and their families. Originality/value This study is important because it provides new insight into how informal caregivers in rural Nigeria use digital technology to support older adults despite limited connectivity and access to digital devices. It highlights both the potential of digital tools to strengthen caregiving and the infrastructural barriers that must be addressed.