Institutional Care for Elderly

Abstract

Institutionalization of elderly care in India is still in the beginning stage. In the west, where they call these places as ‘retirement homes’ make sense that soon after one retires he/she as a couple or single can shift their life completely. The elderly can enjoy similar lifestyle outside of their homes in addition to taking care of household services and medical emergencies. As age increases, persons are more likely to experience physical disabilities and limitations in their functional abilities. First and foremost step in this direction should be aimed at expanding the comfort zone that can be enjoyed by each one of the older generation. The result should be a well-furnished plan for institutionalized care for the elderly. It also favours seniors with an option to spend the rest of their lives with like-minded people from the same age group and income group. Old age homes and long-term care services help people live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own. These days, in India, we see a lot of these facilities. The residents are happy to live and realize that retirement is the time to hang up ones boots and relax. Mostly the elderly are left in a standalone mode of care from middle- and upper-middle-class family.