Introduction to the Issue of Old Age Homes in Kottayam
One of the harsh reality that we as a society are facing is the fact that there are more old parents who live by themselves quite alone which shouldn’t have to be the case – however, as social structure reforms, we tend to see more and more individuals living on their own. This post will show you the growing trend of renters choosing to solely reside with their older parents in Kottayam. Continue reading to learn about some of the possibilities to help older people get the proper support, companionship, and most importantly, a respectable and dignified life as they get older.
Dysfunctional Modern Families
The normalization of treating an old individual without the gracious respect they deserve is simply looking after them, it is however a responsibility of every child to do so especially when they leave to build their new families. The motivation to choose this path has been embedded in the heart of every Indian. In the last few decades, however, there has been a significant shift in our society concerning the family structure, as single families are becoming more common. Old age homes have also been a common practice for many people, especially in India where it is seen as social distancing for a lot of kids abandoning their parents.
Justifications for the Propagation of the Only Old Parents Homes
There have been more old age houses in cities such as Kottayam due to the change of social structure and the nuclear family system being embraced as the ideal family type. With most of the elderly people stranded alone after retirement, they go into old age homes where they can at least get some attention from the staffs.
Reasoning and Economic Migration
The most common reason that children are relocating their aged parents to old age homes is the movement to another state or a foreign country in quest of employment or schooling. It is easy for the youth to abandon their parents’ homes and migrate, however, it is equally quite daunting for the parents who have lived in a particular hometown their entire lifetime to abandon it and migrate which forces many of them to prefer staying in their home town.
Enhanced Health Care3
Despite this, economic and demographic factors are important too for setting up of old age homes especially in Kottayam. Progress in the field of medicine along with the improved care for the elderly has resulted in increased life expectancy. During their retirement years, many elderly are now opting to sell their big houses and shift to small and more manageable homes. Also, as baby boomers grow up, most of them tend to leave for building their own homes, thereby leaving their old parents tea.
Lastly, the present age has rendered several families unable to manage two households, thereby thinking of community life as an alternative.
What Old Age Parents go through at old age homes
Despite this, there are concerns associated with old age homes such as poor quality of life. Let us understand the sufferings of parents who stay in these old age rehab centres.
Absence of Basic Resources
In India, lack of resources along with a high population is a norm for many elderly care centres. A shortage of trained nurses can result in basic health complications not getting the required attention. Moreover, a large section of aged people suffers from uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure which adds to the problem.
Isolation and Emotional Strain
The social aspect of living in an old age home comes with its own set of complexities. Loneliness and isolation are two such obstacles. For reasons that are geographic or socio-economic, the relatives of many residents do not easily meet them. This isolation may aggravate the existing health issues of the residents as many an elderly person may not have family around to share the burden of a problem or may find it difficult to talk to someone.
Financial Strain on Families
It is also evident from the observations of senior citizens living in old age homes that it is not inexpensive to live in those facilities and for most families, it is difficult to afford it. Though the monthly charge is within reach for many families, subsistence requirements such as meals, medications, etc can be painful for families who find it difficult to survive in the first place.
The Benefits of Community Living in an Apartment
Promoting Engagement and Independence
There are reasons more than housing to consider community living in an apartment. Instead of feeling the constricting isolation that many aged care facilities impose on people, it may allow them to remain active and more connected to other people.
Helping seniors stay in control of their lives by being able to participate in some community activities is what independent community living seeks to achieve. Privacy and self management are ensured through living in an apartment though an old adult is able to have sufficient physical space for carrying out day to day activities.
Emphasis on Support in all Ages and Accessibility
For instance, the lack of accessible infrastructure and basic facilities, which makes movement difficult, would be less of a problem for people who live in close proximity to other people within a flat than for those who are housed in an old age home. Further, it can facilitate inter and intra generational exchange and support which is also of advantage to both the older population and children.
Conclusion: Changes Required in Elderly Care Norms
Not solely the idea older people’s homes fall under the category of solutions. This is where elderly generations need to be given a say and taken into account, appealing openly for the utilization of such sort of living in order to contribute to a community – China. In Kottayam, if efforts are made towards achieving better availability of such facilities for the people, it could become an example for cities across India in demonstrating how elderly citizens can be treated with respect and dignity.
We should never disrespect individuals based on age. We should create an environment where people of all ages can communicate openly and respectfully because that is a good thing for everyone. Let us try to ensure that the trend continues to change in favor of coexistence so that our mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers can savor the contentment, honor and respect that they have always worked for.
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