How Elder Care landscape is changing in India

Overview

In India, 85% of the elderly are living with family, 8% are living with spouse only, 6% are living alone whereas 2% are living with their relatives, revealed the annual report prepared by HelpAge India in 2018. Out of these, 60% elders agreed that the quality time spent by their adult children as well as grandchildren with them has decreased with the increase in usage of mobile phones and computers. Besides, age is a factor that deters them from taking up a job. At times like these, home services offering not just an emergency service but additionally a homely environment and trained nursing staff make the elderly feel safe and engaged.

A research has estimated that nearly 1.5 to 2 million people are injured every year due to falling, out of which nearly a million die. The incidence of falls increases with advancing age, and it has led to restricted mobility, psychological fear and disability. There is an increasing need for the elderly to be accompanied by a caretaker and looked after to boost their morale and make them feel comfortable.

The elders also feel abused due to lack of attention while living with their family, which is a very common phenomenon in urban cities due to the busy routines of family members. When elders were asked if they felt abused at home, a staggering 60% nodded affirmative, which is an alarming sign. Moreover, the advances in technology and inability to adapt to the changing environment has led to further isolation as the remaining family members move abreast of time, distancing themselves from the affectionate elderly in the house. 43% elderly disclosed that they feel neglected at home, leading to bruising of feelings and a traumatic experience.

With elders under the roof, one can choose various elder care plans offered by elderly care services to drive away the loneliness of the elderly while you are unable to spend enough time with them. Emoha Care Services organises regular events and activities to offer a unique opportunity to the elders to not just participate but also earn and learn from it.

While ensuring that your everyday routine is not hampered, the care services also offer a 24/7 support for coordination and companionship based on the Family Support System model. It also enables periodic health monitoring of the elderly in the home so that important and timely diagnosis are undertaken against any ailment the elderly may contract. Furthermore, the home care services also ensure that their medical records and important documents are digitised, enabling a quick access to crucial information when it is needed the most, irrespective of their location.

The need for increased attention and emergency services for the elderly and its absence in the diaspora is a dangerous sign for a large population of the country. The elderly need to be in their customised living spaces where they get the liberty to express themselves while spending their later years in an environment which is tailor-made keeping their requirements in mind.

A note on the figures

The numbers above come from the 2011 Census and reports of the time. More recent estimates, such as those from the United Nations and the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, show the older population continuing to grow quickly. The direction is clear even as the numbers update: more older people, more living apart from their children, and more families looking for support.

What families can do now

1. Talk early with your parents about where and how they want to live as they age. 2. List the help they need today and may need in future: health checks, medicines, meals, transport, company. 3. Know the options: care at home, an attendant, assisted living, day care; see choosing an assisted living facility or care home. 4. Prepare the home for safety; see home safety for seniors living alone and monthly home safety check. 5. Use technology for peace of mind, such as an emergency pendant, fall detection or a daily call; see panic pendants. 6. If you live far away, set up a local contact and regular reviews; see supervising a caregiver from afar.

When to ask a professional

A geriatrician can assess health and function, and a care advisor can compare services and costs. See caring for parents from afar.