The elderly population in India is growing rapidly. According to a LASI survey, by 2050, the ageing population in the country will grow to about 330 million. This, coupled with an increased in life expectancy, affordability, shifting disease burden and evolving nuclear family set up makes it important to organize the fragmented senior care ecosystem in India. The action needs to be around appropriate policies, regulations, tax structures and even ramping up resources and capabilities in the elderly care domain. 

However, as with everything else, change begins from home. 

The elderly are one of the worst affected and neglected sections today. Taking care of them is one of our major challenges. In such a scenario, there are some things that we can do including preparing ourselves better, taking pro-active steps, plan for emergencies, among other things. Here are some suggestions that the community including family, caregivers, and others can consider. 

Take charge and responsibility

They say that parents become like children as they age. They lack confidence and may need help for even basic activities. Therefore, it is not enough to be loving and kind. It is important to take decisions, act according to situations and make sure that their life is comfortable. 

‘Elderize’ your home

Statistics indicate that falls are one of the leading causes of death and disability among the elderly. They account for 20%–30% of injuries, and 50% of injury-related hospitalization in this age group. Therefore, akin to how we baby proof the house, we must ‘elderize’ it too. This includes installing special hand rests and support, non-slip surfaces, special seats, and providing access to walkers and wheel chair. Make sure to also create storage spaces which they can access easily without the risk of hurting themselves.

Plan for eventualities 

It would be wrong to assume that medical help will be readily available when needed. Therefore, we must plan for potential scenarios and be ready with alternative solutions. Keep everything from oxygen concentrators and BP measurement devices, to other devices ready at home. Parents and others at home can also be taught how to use the simpler devices. Think of it like having extinguisher at home even though there is no fire. Put them under regular monitoring, elder care plan or package. Although they may not admit, elderly need regular help or monitoring. They will continue to show they are independent and don’t want extra attention and will always push back. However, as the responsible adult and kin, we must step in. 

Care at home

Medical requirements, immediate healthcare, or even timely health checks – all these may be difficult to arrange even in the best of the times, when we are physically present. If this is so then one can only imagine the scenario where we are far away in another city or time zone. How far can one rely on relatives or friends? Life is too precious and our parents deserve a lot more than being left to chance, or the mercy of good Samaritans.

The traditional Indian society was close knit with 2 to 3 generations of people living under the same roof. The benefit was that elderly care was a natural outcome undertaken jointly by everyone. With younger generations migrating and going away for work, parents are being left behind – by choice or compulsion. 

So, today, take charge and take action. Get professional healthcare help even when parents are healthy or have a support system in place. Home healthcare startups today offers single point of contact, a healthcare manager, who can pull in all types of resources as and when the need arises, without leaving it to chance. 

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Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author's own.

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