NEED FOR HOME CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

The issue of aging isn’t just physical but it is also psychological and social as well. The younger generation is mostly focused on maintaining nuclear families with no parents or grandparents. Additionally, the pressure of work or the busy schedule causes them to ignore the health status of their elderly family members. This can make an elderly care home in India the most difficult to find.

Many of the elderly in our society tend to feel as if they are a burden for the younger generation. This impacts their mental well-being. The risk of depression is high among older people due to their physical inactivity due to their limited mobility and being in a lonely environment with no support. This results in a hostile environment. These are some of the contributing factors of the roadblocks to elderly care in India.

Let’s examine the issues to be faced in the home care of senior citizens in India

PROBLEMS FACED BY SENIOR CITIZENS

Even with social and financial security there are some small daily problems faced by older people which cause stress and reduce their ability to live a life of dignity. Every day, older people are faced with the decline in physical and cognitive flexibility. Motor skills decrease with age. 

Let’s look at a few of the problems that are faced daily by elderly people:

1.DEMENTIA

As we age, our cognitive abilities are also impaired. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is an everyday cognitive issue that affects more than 5 million people who are elderly in the world. It’s a natural procedure, however it is the burden for families to participate in senior care. The process of communicating with senior citizens with dementia can be a very difficult job for family members.

2.BEDWETTING

Older people have less motor abilities. They have less control over their bladders. Bedwetting is a common problem among older people. Family members or household helpers aren’t willing to clean their bed or dispose of their diapers. It is a slap in the face to their dignity.

3.MALNUTRITION

Senior citizens eat less, or have a lower digestive capacity. Their eating habits also fluctuate. This can affect their nutritional requirements. When someone is suffering from dementia, they tend to neglect to consume food. Care for seniors requires a close watch of food intake and the preparation of special meals. It can be a stressful job for family members.

4.CHALLENGE IN PERFORMING DAILY TASKS

The routine of many older people in our society may be boring. Lack of support and companionship from their family members discourages individuals further, making it difficult to break the monotonous routine. Their diminished mobility hinders them from their pursuits or participating in social events.

5.TRANSPORTATION

Many seniors are self-sufficient and ensure their financial security. They are active and don’t let their age affect their attitude toward living. However, they can be deterred because of a lack resources to stay active.

Older people are less mobile and due to vision impairment, they are not able to drive. Public transportation or public areas are not suitable for those who have a low mobility. Even on buses or in the departmental store, they must climb up stairs. It can be physically difficult for those with problems with their health. It can be a deterrent for them to leave of their home.

6.ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY CITIZENS

Geriatric care that is accessible and effective is a major issue for older people. In India the elderly caregivers aren’t proficient in their obligations. They are often employed locally by families or contracted out by organizations. The curriculum for medical students is not comprehensive in terms of geriatrics. 

Geriatric care is a largely ignored area.

7.ABSENCE OF PERFECT CARE PROVISIONS

Senior care is also provided in accordance with the requirements. In our modern society, we don’t have special caregiving options. The demands of special care burden family members to perform the duties, and also manage other obligations. Even if caregivers are hired but they’re not equipped to offer emotional assistance. There are very few caregivers and nurses that specialize in the care of dementia patients or elderly people who are paralyzed. The senior care system in India requires skilled and experienced caregivers for the patient.

8.LACK OF A MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Medical courses have not included the importance of geriatric health care for doctors. It has also negatively affected the medical infrastructure of India. There are only a few elderly care centres in India. There are a few clinics and hospitals that provide escalators or planks to elderly patients. There are a handful of specialized medical professionals, caregivers for patients and nutritionists who take care of those with chronic illness and requirements.

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT

Senior citizens require friendship and support, and they should lead a life of dignity regardless of their age. Families should not view them as burdens instead they should collaborate in order to offer alternative options to provide medical and emotional assistance to their parents who are elderly. Care for the elderly at home is a major concern in India is not just the responsibility of individual households, but is a shared obligation of the government to offer subsidies to elderly care. Here are some ways providing elderly at home in India is a viable option within every household and every society.

1.PUBLIC POLICIES

The government should manage pension schemes for the elderly that provide more remunerations for seniors who are financially dependent on their family’s members

2.PRIVATE SECTOR HAS RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate and insurance firms must introduce health insurance with the lower cost of premium in order to ensure that older citizens are able to afford medical services

3.MEDICAL AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

There must be sufficient Geriatric facilities in India equipped with experts who are able to provide elderly medical care. Medical schools shouldn’t limit Geriatric studies to just nurses; doctors and nutritionists also need to be educated on caring to elderly people. Public spaces should be equipped with wheelchairs for free for senior citizens. The parks and shops should be equipped with ramps and planks, instead of steps.

4.BEING SENSITIVE TO NEEDS

Family members and caregivers must also assume the responsibility of caring for elderly parents. They must be aware of the difficulties of aging and be sensitive to the issue. Participating with the senior relatives in conversations or sitting with them for lunch or encouraging them to be active could be beneficial in improving the quality of their life and creating a healthier atmosphere for them.

5 ADJUSTMENTS

Parents who compromise their health for their children, they may also have to make changes as their parents age. Family members must be able to adjust in these new circumstances. If older members of the family suffer an impairment due to old age or suffer from dementia, they must have to be accommodated into a new routine by family members, and not in a secluded area.

Ayushya along with its skilled team of caregivers, patient caretakers, and health administrators is trying to solve the problems with homes care of elderly people. It offers comprehensive and affordable assistance to seniors to enable them to be comfortable and live with respect in their later years.