Caretakers find it burdensome

Caretakers find it burdensome
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Highlights

The growing concerns of the elderly people coupled with poor quality of care provided to them by the caregivers turn out to be unresolved problems faced by senior citizens in various parts of the country.

Visakhapantam: The growing concerns of the elderly people coupled with poor quality of care provided to them by the caregivers turn out to be unresolved problems faced by senior citizens in various parts of the country.

Ahead of 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day' observed on June 15, HelpAge India released its national report on the theme 'elder abuse in India: role of family in care-giving – challenges and responses' on Friday in the city.

Focussing on primary caregivers (family members), their opinions and quality time spent with elders, this year's study covered 20 cities across India. While 29% primary caregivers feel burdensome to take care of the elders, 15% consider it a severe burden.

The report said that 35% of the caregivers never feel happy to take care of the elderly. Up to 62% sons, 26% daughters-in-law and 23% daughters feel the pinch of taking care of their elders. The report stated that on an average, a family spends Rs.4,125 taking care of the senior citizens.

The caregivers felt that the government should lend support to them in the form of subsidised medicines for the elderly, better transport facilities and government-aided old age homes, health cards and free treatments, among other amenities.

The study indicated that 65% of caregivers in the family have to leave the elderly persons alone at home by leaving instructions to manage their day-to-day activities. More than half of the elders express the requirement of emotional support to help overcome psychological insecurity and its related problems.

The report in Visakhapatnam was released by Assistant Director of Department of Differently-abled and Welfare of Senior Citizens P. Venkateswara Rao, liaison manager of HelpAge India, Andhra Pradesh L. Mrinal, president United Forum for Senior Citizens, Visakhapatnam TVS Rao, among others.

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