For all those who have old and ailing parents,
deciding on the appropriate care centre is crucial. There are many options
available in India based on the level of care to be given to geriatric
patients.
1. Old age retirement homes: These are places where
the old can come and live in a community. They are expected to be in full health,
with ability to do minimal chores for themselves. They usually have canteen,
where they can come together to eat. The facilities in such places are for able
bodied old citizens .There are a variety of places with services like physiotherapy,
on call doctor facilities etc. The prices range from Rs.8000 to Rs.1,50,000 per
month depending on the location and services provided such as special meals,
swimming pools, attendees etc. They have a vibrant community with the
Retirement homes arranging for festivities and regular day outs for the
members.
2. Old Age homes: These are places where the patient’s
partly ailing .They have on call doctors, physiotherapists, attendees, nurses, medical
equipment etc. Food will be provided and they will be given attendants to feed,
bathe & clothe and take care of ablutions. They will also be given medications
regularly and have monthly visits from a variety of doctors. They have a vibrant
community and aim to improve the quality of life for the aged.
3. Rehabilitation Centres: There are few
specialized rehabilitation centres in India. They are specialized for post
operative care from the minimal to the extreme cases with severe mobility disability.
They aim to help the patient recover and therefore have in-house doctors, therapists,
nurses and staff. These centres are cost prohibitive (Rs.50000 and upwards)
since they provide specialized care.
4. Palliative Care: These are centres for the severely
ill and dying patients suffering from cancer or aids among other diseases. They
have full medical facilities with in-house doctors, specialists, therapists, nurses,
attendants etc. Their aim is to manage the quality of life of the patient while
providing long term medical attention. Most palliative centres are run by NGO’s
and therefore they provide services for patients across the economic spectrum.
Deciding where to house and care for depends on a
few factors which you can consider.
1. Health: The decision on which caregiver is
appropriate would be based on the health and amount of care to be given to the
patient. You can consider the amount medical assistance and help required to
perform everyday duties. Among others, consider the length of the recovery for
the right choice.
2. Cleanliness and Hygiene: Since most doctors will
confirm the chances of “catching something” like an infection is higher in a
medical facility, cleanliness and hygiene is critical. Check the beds, bathrooms,
kitchen and their maintenance routine to be sure. And odour free environment,
with plenty of sunshine is ideal in most cases.
3. Cost: Though we want to provide the safest care
for the elders in our life, we have to consider the cost of rehabilitation
& recovery. While the palliative centres in India are some of the most
affordable in the world, the cost in an old age home can range anywhere between
Rs.15000 to Rs.1,50,000 and higher per month. Most of the places also ask for
donation or advance amount which can range from Rs.20000 to a couple of lakhs. The
monthly rentals typically include accommodation and food.
4. Emergency Services: Most of the old age homes
have associations with hospitals, ambulances, clinics etc. Depending on the
health of the aged, you can choose a home that provides these services and are
closest to your home.
5. Quality of Life: The primary attention though,
is to find a loving and caring environment. Speak with the other elders housed
in the facility and gather their experiences, to judge the timeliness and gentleness
of response from the Home. Also consider the community experience that the Home
can provide to the elders.
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The best thing you can do is get more information in case you know of someone who needs these facilities, websites like Zywee offer information that you can use to figure out the best possible solutions for you and your loved ones.
