Need for day care centres for seniors

Senior citizens are at present a neglected lot and in most cases they are sent to old age homes. But the old age homes do not provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors who need care for the whole day. In day care centres seniors are attended well and day and programmes are arranged by a nurse, a geriatric recreation specialist and a  number of personal support workers. These centers provide relief to caregivers and family members who are caring for an elder in their home, as well as offering the senior a chance to get out of the house, socialize and participate in fun activities with others.

Generally men and women aged 65 and older are eligible to attend elderly day care. The average age of senior participating in day care programming is 72 and usually lives with a spouse, adult children or other friends or family members. It is found that approximately half of all participants in elderly day care have some type of cognitive impairment such as memory loss, and many of these seniors need support with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene and meal preparation.

Elder day care programs are to be located in nursing homes, community and senior centers, hospitals, schools and churches. Other locations include centers in shopping areas, rehabilitation centers and private homes. Day programs should operate Monday to Friday during the day. However, some  facilities may offer evening, holiday and weekend programming to accommodate caregiver schedules.

There are only limited day care centers currently operating across the state. In view of the growing demand public and private agencies can think of opening more day care centres or convert the present old age homes partly into day care centres. The government speaking volumes for the support of senior citizens can do something in this direction to lend a helping hand to them.

K A Solaman