In the absence of a support system, who will see to the mental and physical health of caregivers of the elderly? A national survey by HelpAge India spanning 20 cities found that those taking care of the elderly suffer from stress. The report, ‘Elder Abuse in India: Role of Family in Caregiving: Challenges and Responses’, was released by HelpAge India, an NGO working for the elderly, to mark ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’.
A survey of people in the age group of 30 – 50, who are usually caregivers for the elderly in 20 Tier I and II cities, revealed that 29% felt ‘the burden of caregiving for the elderly’; 15% felt it was a ‘severe burden’, and 25.7% said they suffered from fatigue and frustration, which often manifested in aggressive behaviour towards their older family members.
The survey revealed that 35% of the respondents never felt happy looking after the elderly.
While 35% thought it was better for senior citizens to live in old-age homes, 85% of them felt the steep cost of such care made it less affordable.
The survey found that families spend an average of ₹4,125 per month to take care of an elderly person. Employing maids is one of the chief sources of expenditure. A majority of respondents – 84.2% – said they had no choice but to leave their elderly family members at home in the care of a maid.
“Despite the abuse elders might face at home, at the hands of their adult children, they choose to remain within the family ambit. It is, therefore, important to look into the space of the caregiver – to understand the burden of elder care and the challenges,” said Mathew Cherian, CEO, HelpAge India.
The NGO launched an elder care app ‘HelpAge SOS’ on Friday.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar, speaking at the event, appealed to the police to make stations more friendly to senior citizens who approached them for help.
