Clad in a dhoti, vest and shalya – all in white, vibhuti smeared on his forehead, Rajan* (68) is like any other senior citizen you would meet in the city. It is only when you hear the native of Ramanagara speak do you instantly perceive his army background. Having served in the defence throughout his life, he came to Bengaluru after retirement, hoping for a peaceful life with his son and daughter-in-law. But that was not to be.
“Both of them are busy with work. Due to my failing health, I needed someone to help me with bathing, medication, food, etc and they did not have time for that,” he said.
Mr. Rajan decided that it would be best for both him as well as his son’s family if he shifted to a home for the aged.
His son agreed, even taking care of the expenditure – a whopping Rs. 18,000 per month.
“The home takes care of my medical needs, provides good food and has helped me deal with loneliness. I don’t feel alone anymore as there are many others like me here who have to live away from their family due to different circumstances. I also feel secure here due to the community-style lifestyle,” says Mr. Rajan.
Not many senior citizens are willing to take the route he took for reasons ranging from financial implications to unwillingness to surrender to what is often viewed as the ‘last resort’. But those who have say they feel safer and less lonely.
Sarita* (60) shifted to a similar facility after a few visits for treatment for schizophrenia, though her family lives in the same city. Her family shrugged off its responsibility when she was diagnosed with the disease.
“The home takes care of me, provides me with a comfortable place to stay and fulfils all my medical requirements. In the light of the increasing number of cases of abandonment and violence against the elderly, this old age home is almost like a safe haven,” she says.
Though most such homes come at a cost, a few lodge the elderly, most of who are neglected or abandoned, for free.
Apart from these, well-heeled senior citizens are being beckoned by an increasing number of ‘retirement homes’ that promise various facilities, including medical assistance.
( *names of all senior citizens changed )
