Rise in Old Age Homes

The rapid rise in old age home in our country made me write this article. When they feel that parents are a burden, no second thoughts, they directly look for an old age home. Especially if both the parents are working or if they have to travel abroad.

Two years before I happen to visit an Old Age Home, we just offered a one time meal there. An afternoon lunch for around 50 members. We also joined them. But I don't have any snap of it in my mobile now. Through a friend we got their contact. If you need to know how lucky you are make sure you visit such homes atleast once in lifetime. Some old people came near us blessed us, hugged us. Some in the verge of tears. Some of them came up with their touching stories and how they wished they could get back to their family and grandchildren. Touching indeed.

There was a time when there were huge members in one family. All of them are so close knit that if one member is not around the other member will take care of the elders of the family. Most of the members occupy themselves in the family business. So they don't get a chance to go outside. They feel more secured and comfortable with in the family circle. As usual, small problem rises, but then solved as elders are the decision maker.

But now the scenario has changed giving way to the youngsters to choose their own life. Now it's the nuclear family system that's followed. Nobody has the time to shoulder the responsibility of elderly couples, they are rather busy with their own life style.

In such cases, they go looking out for Old Age homes. A home which is exclusively meant for the elderly couples. Further, they make sure that their parents get the best facilities available. Maybe an air-conditioned room with Television or a spacious room with gardens etc. So that they are not criticized by their relatives or by the public. They forget the fact that their elderly parents are more comfortable with their children and grandchildren rather than spacious air conditioned rooms. Some of them never take the initiative to make a call after leaving them in the new environment. Initially they make a call once in two days, but gradually it reduces to once a month and finally none. This mostly happens with financially sound couples.

There are also cases where Financially sound parents in order to keep their children with them, take the initiative to transfer the property to their children. Once transferred, the children make sure that they get rid of their parents. Final option being old age home. I came across such cases very recently here, so just to alight I tried to share the same.

In most of the villages here, we can find the elderly parents with their off springs. They live on a day-to-day income but happy to share with the little they earn.

Life is a complete learning process. Eaxh day you come across something new. Never carry expectations as it can break at any point of time.

Lead image and other photos were googled.