How difficult or easy is Caregiving for Older People? In my opinion it is fun for a few days but post that it is not a game, it is a stretch and a stress.
The larger point of debate is, is Caring for older people a job, a responsibility or a duty? I guess it’s a combination of duty and responsibility.
Caregiving stress comes in different packages like depression, irritability, anger or denial. The question is how do we handle such situations? Do we become collateral damage or evolve as more empathetic individuals?
Internationally there are support groups where carers meet regularly and share their feelings, stress, tensions etc, but then what are we doing in India on this subject.
Not everyone has the maturity to handle caregiving stress for extended periods of time, sometimes we all need support and guidance, but then where is the support and counseling for such things.
Elderly Care is not just about Independent Living and Assisted Living Facilities, it is much more complicated than most of us think.
Family Caregivers have no escape route, respite care can help but then to what extent? Caregiving for infinite period of time can be caustic and acidic which starts corroding our relationship with the person who needs Care and with other family members.
Dependency on others in old age is often seen as an ego buster and loss of dignity, especially for those who have been independent and self-reliant all their lives, but then that’s when the circle of life gets completed.
We at Elderly Care India are trying to highlight and advocate for the larger cause of Ageing in India and Developing Nations which is being done through multiple channels like website, social media, experts interviews and service providers, that too completely free of cost.
Pankaj Mehrotra
