ASVI N

Old age homes the last resort of the elderly

Senior citizens face a drought of love and care as their children abandon them
Old age homes are fast becoming the last resort of the elderly. An old age home is usually the place, a
home for those old people who have no one to look after them or those who have been thrown out of
their homes by their children. The place is of course like home where the inmates get all the facilities
for a routine living, like food, clothing, and shelter.
All these necessities are well looked after but, the much-needed love, and care of loved ones is of
course sadly missing; for, how can outsiders provide solace?
Shunned or abandoned by their families, many senior citizens face the prospect of a lonely death at
homes for the aged, with staff having to attend to funeral proceedings. Often, the elderly are
reluctant to visit their families, in homes they built for their children.
In family after family, the story is the same. Sons and daughters driving their elderly parents out of
the house once the property has been bequeathed to them and possession granted.
Old age homes tell a sordid tale of neglect by families, the drought of care and affection faced by
parents who have outlived their utility and value to their children.
The irony is inescapable. People pray to be blessed with children, only to suffer callous neglect and
abandonment in their twilight years.

SAURAV
Reasons for shrinking care on elders
Education system detaches the young from their family and consequently
the emotional binding is detached. Unbalanced education system creates
unbalanced earning opportunity. This imbalance increases the stress level
of both employed as well as unemployed resources
Employment system pulls children away from home town and their fear
about job security make them ignore care for their own family members
Women employment which evolved from home to paddy fields to

corporate office to outstation office and to out-of-countries created scarcity

of care for elders at home
Decreasing size of family from 6 or 7 to 3 or 4(including parents)
members in a family
Decreasing birth ratio results in more number of elders and less number
of young people. Even when the government promoted for smaller family system,
it failed to anticipate or to provide a security system in the area of elders care
Increased cost of living, new life style, increasing diseases, short supply of doctors, time to be
spent on
social connections & gatherings, impatience, ego, social status, etc. are among the many reasons
for a
person to be selfish
Now-a-days, one can get million voices over social web sites; but physical gathering of 10
people for a
social cause is highly remote. It will be certainly difficult for a person to take half-a-day leave
from office
even to oneself
People in India who work for MNCs sleep only during day time. A day of rest is the highest
priority of the
young working segment. They live with stress and gadgets
Extended Office follows in the form of laptop and smart phones; peaceful and calm time can
be had only if
there is luck
All this is being transformed to elders who live at home and without even realizing they
ignore the elders
All these have made the old age homes seem more relevant in the Indian context than ever
before.

relevance of Old Age Homes in India

Many factors have contributed to the alienation of the elders.
Migration of young couples from the rural areas to cities in search of better employment
opportunities to fend for themselves.
Elders who have been in control of the household for a long time are unwilling to give up
the responsiblity to their children.

Youngsters on their part are sometimes resentful of the attitude of their parents.

Many youngsters have moved to places far away from their native homes and in the
recent past to many countries abroad. So even if they want to they cannot accomodate
their parents in their own homes.

Elders are sometimes too incapaciated or unwell to look after themselves or get medical
care especially in an emergency. Thus resorting to old age homes

ASVIN
Why is it the last resort?

The last century has witnessed a rapid increase in the population of the
elderly people in the developed and industrialized countries. This
phenomenon is not restricted to the western world only, but many countries
such as ours are now feeling the impact of this transaction. This situation
could be attributed to a combination of factors such as increase
in age, longevity and decreased death rates due to advancement in the field
of medicine, improvement of life expectancy at birth, and enhancement in
the average span of life. India ranks 4th in terms of absolute size of elderly
population .
A feeling is now growing among the aged persons that the attitude of the
younger generation towards them is not as desired. India like many other
developing countries in the world is witnessing the rapid aging of its
population. Urbanization, modernization and

globalization have led to change in the economic structure, the erosion of

societal values, weakening of social values, and social institutions such as
the joint family.
.
The traditional sense of duty and obligation of the younger generation
towards their older generation is being eroded. The older generation is
caught between the decline in traditional values on one hand and the
absence of adequate social security system on the other .
Illness increases with age. Old age means reduced physical ability, declining mental ability, the gradual giving up of role playing in socio-economic
activities, and a shift in economic status moving from economic
independence to economic dependence upon others for support. Old age is
called dark not because the light fails to shine but because people refuse
to see it.Nowadays, the role of families in case of older person has declined
due to structural changes which have taken place in the Indian society. And
the concomitant disintegration of the joint family system, which results in the
rejection or neglect of the aged.
Insecurity, loneliness and lack of companionship some of lifes hard-toswallow problems become a daily reality for these elderly persons whose
children either settle abroad, or in some other state, for better career
opportunities. The concept of retirement resorts or complexes is gradually
emerging as the most viable option among the senior members of society
who are financially independent. They want to live with dignity and, above
all, want to be secure.
Surprising cost of living and scanty return on savings have almost pushed
these senior citizens on roads.. Elders have started walking out of their own
home in search of a journey that promises peace, joy and celebration of life
with a group of people who share the same boat of life (the wrecked one).
With a lot of youngsters staying away from their parents and the nuclear family trend fast catching
up among families in the capital, elders have a tough time attending to their daily chores and
maintaining their health. Given the changing lifestyles and other innumerable factors

have given rise to west-inspired phenomena of old age homes

DEEPAK
Health problems faced by elderly AND HOW OLD AGE
HOMES TACKLE THEM
BRIEF IT UP ALL THE DISEASES ,NOT NECESSARY TO BE TO THE POINT

Thanks to new medications and surgical techniques, people are living longer. However, the
body we had at 55 will be a very different body than the one we have at 75. Many issues,
both genetic and environmental, affect how we age.
The most widespread condition affecting those 65 and older is coronary heart disease,
followed by stroke, cancer, pneumonia and the flu. Accidents, especially falls that result in
hip fractures, are also unfortunately common in the elderly.
A lot of our elders are coping with at least one of the following conditions, and many are
dealing with two or more of the following:

Heart conditions (hypertension, vascular disease, congestive heart failure, high

blood pressure and coronary artery disease)

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease

Depression

Incontinence (urine and stool)

Arthritis

Osteoporosis

Diabetes

Breathing problems

Frequent falls, which can lead to fractures

Parkinson's disease

Cancer

Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, Macular Degeneration)

As the body changes, other things to be aware of are:

A slowed reaction time, which is especially important when judging if a person can
drive.

Thinner skin, which can lead to breakdowns and wounds that don't heal quickly

A weakened immune system, which can make fighting off viruses, bacteria and
diseases difficult

Diminished sense of taste or smell, especially for smokers, which can lead to
diminished appetite and dehydration

HEALTH FACILITIES PROVIDED BY MOST OLD AGE HOMES

Mobile Medicare Units

health intervention to cater to specific healthcare needs associated with

old age has been pioneered since 1982 with the concept of Mobile
Medicare Units (MMU) programme that seeks to take healthcare to the
doorstep of the needy. Today, the MMU programme, represents a flagship
programme and is recognised as the largest such mobile healthcare
service in the Asia as per the the Limca Book of Records.
Presently, the mobile fleet of more than 74 MMUs provide 1.5 million treatments and basic
healthcare services to around 90,000 elderly at more than 840 community locations across
21 states.
The MMU fleet is today recognised among the largest first response capability to disasters
due to the presence of a large number of the MMUs operating in remote areas, often in
zones highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
MMU healthcare services include doctor consultation, medicines, basic diagnostic tests,
Homecare visits for the bedridden, physiotherapy treatment and referral to other healthcare
facilities.

Also information and awareness on elderly rights and entitlements on

government social security schemes and health programmes is provided.

The primary objective of the programme is health and well being of the elderly and
promotes healthy ageing. Hence the MMU is designed to provide Primary Healthcare
services for the elderly viz.

Free treatment: The doctor would physically examine patients & based on the
available equipments clinically diagnose patients and prescribe medicines. Wherever
required, the patients would be referred to pathological laboratories for detailed
investigation /secondary/tertiary health care service providers for specialist treatment
/care.

Free medicines: The MMU stocks medicine for all common ailments including
Hypertension, Diabetes, Arthritis, etc. These medicines would be issued to the
patients free of cost by the Pharmacist on the basis of the Doctors prescription. The
Pharmacist would also explain the dosage of medicines and their side effects, if any
to the patients.

Physiotherapy services: This intervention aims to prevent or manage chronic

conditions and promote healthier ageing to the elderly. Physiotherapy services focus
on maintaining or improving mobility, function and physical activity with an aim to
maximize independence of beneficiaries through exercise and self-management
principles. The services emphasize balance; flexibility; strength; posture; functional
and cardiovascular ability. They also include health education and advice on relevant
issues such as falls risk reduction, posture, back care, continence and home
exercise programs.

Basic Diagnostics: The MMU van is equipped with basic diagnostic equipments
such as Stethoscope, BP Apparatus, thermometer, weighing machine etc for
checking the vital signs. In addition to this there is a glucometer for blood sugar
testing. This was introduced due to the high incidence of diabetes which has been
identified as one of the four most prevalent Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), so
that patients suspected to be suffering from Diabetes & also those who have
Diabetes are regularly examined and advised on management of the disease.

Home visits by Doctor (in case of bedridden patients):The doctor and the
paramedic team conducts weekly visits the houses of bedridden elders who
otherwise cannot approach or be brought to the vehicle. They examine & clinically
diagnoses the problems presented by the elder patient or caregivers and prescribes
medicines and advices the patient and their caregivers.

PARVINDER

the
types
of
Old
Age
Homes
in
India?
Independent Living Home: Independent living homes is an old concept which has
been active in the Indian society for a long time. Most people save money all along their
working days to buy a plot and build a small home to live peacefully after retirement.
The downside to such an arrangement is the increasing land prices. With a massive

increase in real estate prices pan India including the rising construction costs, such an
arrangement is not quite recommended. Also supervising the daily construction activity
is a tough ask for senior citizens.
Senior Citizen Communities: Senior citizen communities or hubs have been slowly
but surely replacing the traditional independent living homes. A large number of builders
and developers have jumped in the market offering dedicated senior citizen
communities with a host of amenities including easy access to hospital, banks and other
daily necessities. Most builders are offering good discounts for booking options in such
communities making it a good option for the elderly. Not only do such senior citizen
communities provide adequate security around the clock, most projects have been
collaborating with a hospital for emergency medical services on priority.
Assisted Living Houses: With advancement of age, senior citizens require constant
medical attention and aid. Assisted living houses are a concept which allows elderly to
live with an assistant including a family member or a medical nurse or helper. Such
assisted living houses are comparatively a newer concept in India but is likely to pick up
in the near future. The advantage of having a medical assistance cuts out any travelling
time to hospitals making such homes quite useful for people with medical issues and
other disabilities.
Old Age Homes: Old age homes or skilled nursing care centers are usually built at a
close proximity to hospitals. Such old age homes have an in house medical team
checking and monitoring the health issues of the inmates. Since an old body is quite
prone to infections prevalent in a public hospital, these old age homes act like a private
nursing care center providing medical help in the comfort of a home. A large number of
such nursing care centers are built with a joint collaboration between builders and
hospital management teams.

ASVIN

Old Age Homes BOON (+) or BANE! (-)

Boon
A Good Option
Old age homes are a boon to those who do not enjoy the support of their children or
have nobody to take care of
them. At least old age homes provide them shelter, food and company
Looking For A Solution
For all those isolated ones who want to do away with the drudgery of maintaining a
home, paying taxes in time, supervising
servants, cooking meals old age home is the answer.
times of need.
Spare A Thought
Imagine if there were no old age homes. Many senior citizens would have been living
without a roof over their
heads or putting up with ungrateful children. Before showing parents the door, children
should think about all
the love and care they were showered with when they were growing up. And how they
were always forgiven for
mistakes and were never asked by their parents to leave home.

A Haven!|
I would like to rename old age homes as second homes'. They are no longer places
where the elderly are
dumped by their children. These homes now boast modern amenities and are designed
keeping in mind the
needs of elders. It is always better to live with people of the same age and thought
process rather than live a life
of loneliness and depression.
When Children Fail|

When grandparents are sent to old age homes, they long for affection from their
children and grand children.
And when they don't receive it, their health becomes weak and they are likely to die
sooner. This is the pathetic
condition of the present times. But we have to appreciate old age homes for taking good
care of the elderly who
are not cared for by their own kith and kin. So, old age homes are definitely a boon.
Helping Hands |
Old age homes are helping hands for the elderly. If they stay alone, life becomes a
burden. Also, in recent times,
there is a trend of a growing number of attacks on senior citizens who live alone.
Though a boon for hapless old
people, old age homes are a bane for society. Old people need love, care and affection.
If they don't get enough of
this, they have no other choice but to opt for old age homes where they can get food,
shelter and possibly,
happiness.
Saviors
It is the duty of every child to take care of his/her parents at their old age. It is their duty
to provide their parents
mental peace and a healthy environment to live. But these days, it is sad to see the illtreatment meted out to old
people by their children by sending them to old age homes. These old age homes are
saviors to such people as it
takes care of their needs and provides them safety

VINNY

bane
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT |

Old age homes are a bane to those who feel secure and comfortable living with their
kith and kin. As you grow
old you want the family around. But for those who like to socialize and make friends, old
age homes can be a
suitable place.

Self-Centered
Old age homes clearly depict how selfish today's world is. There is nothing worse than
children, after they
become independent, leaving parents in a helpless situation. This attitude has resulted
in many living a lonely
life
senior citizens.
Home Away From Home |
Old age homes are a home away from home for senior citizens who are uncared for.
They are a boon for children
who have frequent transfers in their work places and bane for the elderly who wish to
spend time with them.
Making space
A decade ago, there were very few old age homes in our country. These were run and
managed by the State. But
today there are many such homes for senior citizens in every city. The young are not
willing to accommodate the
elderly and adjust to their needs. Money should not become life's priority. A house is
made of not just bricks and
stones but also love and affection. A home without old people is like a house without
windows.
United They Stand |

It would be difficult for the elderly to adjust in new environs if they cannot stay away
from the family. For a
family to stay together and develop tolerance for each other's whims and fancies the
members, young or old,
should learn to forget and forgive.
Care For The Elderly |
Dwindling joint family systems force many people to send the elderly to old age homes.
This needs to be stopped
before it becomes a habit with society. Old people only ask for affection and love and a
say in household matters.
Detaching them from their families would be a nightmare for them. We need to
understand their feelings and not
make them feel left out, rather give them some responsibility and make them feel
important. The older
generation should also understand the difficulties faced by the younger generation in
coping with their everyday
challenges and adjust accordingly. With this understanding, the generation gap will be
reduced, and in due
course we may find old age homes unnecessary
Money Matters |
Old age homes are a bane to elderly parents. Affluent working class people leave their
parents deprived of love at
old age homes quoting ridiculous reasons such as working in far off places. This way
they are getting away from
the responsibility of taking care of people who shaped their successful lives.
Some even go to the extreme of forgetting the relationship. Living away, some of them
do not even have the time
to take part in their parents' funeral. This is an inhuman act. Though they are ready to
spend large amounts of

money at old age homes in the name of taking care of aged parents, it can never
compensate the invaluable joy
given to them by the presence of their children and grandchildren. Similar to the
government of Norway that
enforces child care, our government can enforce laws that make it compulsory for one
to look after aged parents.
Negligence |
Old age homes are a bane in the sense that they pave way for neglect of elders. They
encourage youngsters to
neglect their elders. Thus it strikes at the very root of humanity. Parents are in turn
subjected to dementia and
depression. It is a boon only in instances where elders do not have siblings or are
rendered orphans by time.

conclusion
THUS WE CONCLUDE THAT
Mushrooming of old age homes is only making children to give-up their responsibilities
in taking care of
elders. Parents should teach their children to be responsible in life. Later finding fault on
the children and/or
relative(s) cannot be the solution. Love cannot be exchanged on compulsion. It should
transform from ones heart.
For those who are not blessed with such love should suit
themselves with the reality of Old Age Homes. Enjoy
co-member Company without getting offended by their habits
and attitudes. One should not introvert away from staying or
adjusting in old age homes in the company of other members.
This gives more confidence that there is someone to give them

food, dress and shelter irrespective of the fact how they get it. If
you love others, you will be loved by others.
Since the definition of care changes from time to time, if there is
a mind to support parents financially and visit them periodically
is also to be considered as real care since both the parents as
well as the children, are comfortabl ewith their living. With this note, I conclude that the
Assisted Living Facility is
the need of the hour for those who can afford the cost and for those who cannot afford
the cost ,the old age homes is also must since no one should be allowed to die in street.