Guide to Providing Care for Elderly Parents in Bangladesh
Caring and taking responsibilities of aging parents is a task that many people adopt and accept as a rewarding responsibility. As in Bangladesh, it is a cultural norm that old parents live with their elderly grown up children and they love to take care of them and facilitate them with the best possible care and love.
As families struggle with the challenge of taking care of their aging parents, it is important to consider the resources and facilities available for them.
To meet this challenge caregivers also need to adapt strategies that provide holistic support and best possible care giving ways. This type of care must be aimed towards providing curated ways of giving nurtured care that not only treats them but also helps the older patients to stay healthy and active.
An Overview Of The Older Population
In Bangladesh, the traditional norm has long been for elderly parents to live with their adult children and receive care from them, reflecting deep-rooted family values and respect for elders. However, recent socio-economic changes are reshaping this expectation.
A study published in PubMed highlights that rapid socio-economic transformations and changing social values are weakening the traditional extended family system. Many elderly people, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka, now reside in old age homes run by non-governmental organizations or charities. The study found that 63% of elderly residents in these homes cited issues with family members as a reason for their living situation, and 67% mentioned having no one to care for them at home.
Interestingly, most of those in old age homes come from well-off urban middle-class and affluent families, indicating that this trend is more prevalent among the wealthier segments of society. This does not fully reflect the situation for elderly individuals across all socio-economic levels in Bangladesh.
Why Is Caring For Elderly Parents So Important?
One answer to this is the risks of developing chronic diseases rises with aging, in an individual. And with an increased number of aged population means higher prevalence of these diseases. According to a study conducted in 2018, the results shows higher prevalence rate of developing chronic diseases which are:
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular diseases
Therefore, with growing age, the need for a permanent caregiver becomes necessary. These caregivers would help these elderly adults stay healthy and they can provide hospice care which aids in avoiding risks of disease development, thus saving time and money.
A greater number of older people means increased need of caregivers and nurses who can provide assisted living care, in-home elderly care and palliative care, in some cases these caretakers ensure that the end-of-life journey of these patients are as comfortable as it could be.
How To Provide Care For Elderly Parents
Providing care for aging adults requires deep and thorough knowledge of different types of care needed by the older patients and elderly adults.
Nurses and caregivers from professional nursing services that adopt advanced practice techniques are well aware of the principles of gerontology, which helps them provide the best care.
Also, an esteemed caregiver must be aware of adopting and molding their caregiving services as per the requirement. They know how to change their techniques according to the health conditions of the patients.
Taking Care Of An Older Parent – Strategies
The duties of a caregiver does not only require physical involvement but also they need to provide their old patient with a shoulder on which they can lean on and can have a trusted patient-nurse relationship.
Although the caregivers would provide your age-old parents with the best, the loved ones must also keep certain things in mind when they have their old parents co-living with them.
These tips are:
- Promote patient wellness – The caregiver must ensure that the patients are encouraged to take care of themselves as it would not only prolong their life but also they would thrive and stay active.
- Set A Routine – By creating and maintaining to adhere to the routine would aid your elderly fellows to be healthy and active. Set a time for meals, medicines and walks. They would stay healthy and active.
- Discourage Social Isolation – Poor health, loss of spouse or old friends could lead an older person towards loneliness and isolation which could further invite many unwanted diseases and health related issues. Try to keep them with you, do not let them feel distant and alone.
- Aid in Personal Care – Although the caregivers are efficient and trained in assisting old age patients while performing personal care routines such as bathing, washing and grooming, you must also make sure that you also help your old parents with these tasks so that they would feel good and loved.
- Keep Track Of Vital Health – Ensure that you keep an eye on the vital health indicators such as blood pressure, sugar levels and weight. It would help you in preventing your elderly parents from developing chronic diseases.
- Seek Help – Do not overburden by trying to do everything by yourself, seek help from professional caregiving services that provide in-home nursing care facilities so that you could also get some time to relax and start fresh.
Different Forms Of Providing Health Care Facilities To Older Parents
There are many ways and resources that are available for you to share your responsibility of taking care of your elderly parents whether at home or in a day care facility.
We at Olwel provide the best of nursing facilities that fits well as per the patients needs and keeping in view your budget.
Some of our offered services are:
- Assisted Living – Assisted living is an option that is community based, which allows the caretaker to co-live with the patient or elderly patient. In this sort of care the nursing care provider helps and aids the aged person in performing certain tasks, for instance, providing help in meal preparation, watering the plants etc. the medical care is provided when and where required.
- Healthcare At Home – Home healthcare is a kind of caregiving technique that allows the patient to live more independently and on their own selves. They perform their daily chores all by themselves but with assistance provided by their caretakers.
- Nursing care facilities – Although Olwel does not provide nursing homes, we offer an elite level of care and comprehensive patient care services for older people. Our skilled nursing care is highly professional and hands-on, ensuring a superior level of attention and support compared to other caregiving methods.
- Palliative Care – Extensive palliative care is a specifically designated program to provide care and support for those elderly people who are combating serious illnesses, like cancer. The aim of the caregivers while providing these curated caregiving techniques is to make them feel more comfortable and enhance the life quality.
Resources For Elderly Parents Care In Bangladesh
Caring for elderly parents requires comprehensive support, and Olwel is committed to providing quality healthcare services tailored to the needs of senior citizens in Bangladesh.
With a team of experienced doctors and healthcare professionals, Olwel offers personalized care and medical attention for aging individuals, ensuring that they receive the right treatment and support, all from the comfort of their homes.
Key Services Provided by Olwel for Elderly Care:
- Home Visits by Doctors – Our doctors provide home consultation services, ensuring that elderly patients can receive quality medical care without having to travel. This is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions.
- Geriatric Healthcare – We specialize in addressing the unique medical needs of the elderly, offering services that focus on managing chronic diseases, medication, and overall health monitoring.
- Regular Health Monitoring – Olwel offers regular check-ups and monitoring to keep track of the elderly’s health status, ensuring proactive management of potential health concerns.
- Caregiver Support and Counseling – In addition to medical services, we provide guidance and support for family members who are primary caregivers, helping them manage the physical and emotional challenges of elderly care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common issues include high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, along with reduced mobility and physical strength.
Caring for parents at home strengthens family bonds, provides them with a sense of love and belonging, and sets a positive example of empathy for your children.
In-home nursing offers personalized care in a familiar setting, while daycare provides structured social interaction. Consider their health, finances, and social preferences when choosing.
Engage with them often, involve them in simple tasks, and encourage social interactions. Seek professional help if signs of depression persist.
Our Parent Care service ensures regular health checkups, monitoring, and comprehensive support to keep your parents well-cared for in your absence.