Old age: Flexi timing at day care centres, a new trend

Today, even though a stigma is still associated with care homes, support systems are constantly evolving. Efforts are on to make them adapt to the way technology has changed the lives of all.

One such is the day care option, where seniors can spend the day interacting with others, take a quick nap, learn to Skype or Facetime with their loved ones, and then head home later. Sometimes, they can even drop in for a couple of hours. 

The concept, popular in the west, is slowly gaining ground here.

Taking care of elders constantly can cause toil on their children and their careers and relationships too. 

S Parimala, a housewife in Chennai, says, “As much as we love our parents, sometimes it is impossible to tend to them 24/7, especially when both the husband and wife are working. When we do not have the option of stay-at-home domestic help, day care centres are an absolute blessing. We can leave them there when we want to spend a weekend out of town, in the knowledge that they are in a safe environment.”

‘Adopting’ others Volunteer groups often encourage seniors around town to visit free care centers that need attention, and spend time with the aged residents. “We have found that it helps both spectrums of elders – the ones who are from a decent background and are visiting, as well as those who are poor and have no other recourse. 

Some even ‘adopt’ other seniors as they can relate a lot to each other, and spend their time developing a budding friendship. It is wonderful to see such things,” says Bala Kumaran, a 21-year-old, who volunteers with many such homes in Coimbatore. 

Felista Jose, the Chennai Chapter manager of the Dignity Foundation, which caters to seniors, adds that they all encourage each other to celebrate festivals and birthdays together and bring some joy to others.

“The joy of sharing is unparalleled, and that’s what comes to the fore here. The interactions are hearty, which can really cheer them up. We also ask our members to contribute to a magazine, which carries articles by seniors, for seniors. Events are also conducted for them, where they perform and have a lot of fun.”