An elderly parent staying in an old age home has become a common phenomenon these days. But are old age homes good for the seniors? Most elderly want to live self reliant on their own and detest the idea of living in old age homes. Yet, their children want them to live in safety and comfort. Due to this digital age when we can find more nuclear families than joint ones, many seniors are left on their own. This rise of old age homes and senior living communities have seen a phenomenal rise in recent decades. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong if an elder stays in an old age home, it does offend sensibilities.
In recent years there have been many transformations in society and lifestyles have been dramatically changed. Some for the better and a few with negative impacts. The young have more power in their hands to pursue their dreams and live a fulfilling life. However, the senior citizens face problems as a consequence of all these social transformations. In the early days, the duty of taking care of an elderly was shared equally between the members of the family. These days, everyone is busy and consumed by their own responsibilities that they have little time for the seniors in their homes. Thus was the genesis of OAH - Old Age Homes.
Five possible likelihood scenarios for an elder
The elders and their children stay in the same house which ensures financial and well being
The elders live alone in their home, while their children live in another part of the city which is in close proximity. Here the family members visit the parents once a week or when necessary.
The children have moved to different cities and they are far away for employment, education, etc. the children visit once a few months or for special occasions and health emergencies
The elders live alone in the city while their childrens have migrated to foregin countries. Here the elders might live financially sound due to foregin remittances, yet might feel considerably lonely.
Final option is one where the elder lives in an old age home either with a spouse or alone.
Each of these scenarios have their own merits and demerits. Many elders accept the change and try their best to adjust to it, while come start grumbling and go into depression. Some seniors wantedly prefer to live in an old age home, while others are completely opposite based on their circumstances. Let us look into some of the advantages and disadvantages faced by elderly living in an old age home.
As individuals grow older, they find it harder to do their routine everyday tasks. Simple things like cooking, washing and eating might seem daunting to them. In an old age home, they have caretenders who help them in their daily chores with care and patience. This makes living more comfortable for them.
One of the top priorities for any senior is their health. Doctors and nurses are available 24*7 with ambulance services ready at any point of time. This makes seniors live with an assurance about their safety. Also, old age homes are protected well from intruders who might harm them.
Seniors long for companionship. They love speaking with people. This is much provided in an old age home. Being with a group of seniors, makes them feel wanted and gets rid of remorse and feelings of loneliness.
Senior friendly amenities are available in old age homes. The homes for seniors also organize various activities each day like, yoga, exercises, medications to keep them engaged and happy.
At old age homes, the committee takes care to create a homely environment with all the essential facilities and basic amenities so that seniors living in old age homes can feel homely.
Things in life do not come for free and seniors know this the best. Services at old age homes cost money and can be quite expensive. Not every family can handle these costs. Most seniors are pensioners or get their money from the children. Finances are one of the primary challenges in an old age home
There is only limited freedom in the living spaces and the choice of food. There can also be an issue of lack of privacy. It will not be the same as living in one’s own home.
The atmosphere in an old age home might not be friendly to the senior. This might give rise to depression and the elder might miss their loved ones.
If the elder was forced to live in an old age home, they might not fully adapt to the functioning of the old age home.
All things considered, while there are many advantages while living in an old age home, there can never be a substitute for a happy life at home. Unfortunately the deciding power ultimately comes to their children. What we have stated here is just a tip of the iceberg of old age home and living there might be a totally different experience altogether. It rests on the elderly to keep a positive mindset and live the rest of their lives the best of their lives. If you are looking for any assistance at home, or looking for elderly caregiver services to take care of your everyday chores, visit 60plusindia to opt for the best elderly care services for a happy and healthy life. We take care of all your medical and non-medical needs and make sure seniors live happy and independent life.
Author: Team 60Plus India
Keywords used : Old age home, Senior living, Senior communities, Advantages of old age home, Disadvantages of old age home, Aging in place,
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