The three most important and basic requirements for the frail elders are 1) appropriate residential facilities; 2) user friendly transportation and 3) easily available correct healthcare.
I would like to talk about 'housing and accommodation' for older people in this blog.
As one gets older, their physical capacity and agilty tend to diminish. A big 4 bedroomed house with 2 bathrooms and a large garden and a garage may be too much and unnecessary for one or two people. Yet many continue to reside on. The property becomes somewhat derelict , the garden unkempt and the garage full of old rubbish - home of rats and cats. If not correspondingly readjusted, the heating bill remains high etc etc - the individual finds it difficult to handle it.
Some feel that people should sell their old property and move into a smaller apartment preferably near the home of a close family member willing to help out at times of need. Others feel this may not work out well always. Uprooting oneself from one's known surrounding , neighbours and local friends may not be always sensible ; one will invariably feel 'more lonely' at a totally unknown new setting. And most importantly , those 'close' relations whose company and assistance one had banked on, may not be 'available' all the time. And 'proximity' does not necessarily increase the level of 'affection'. The 'so called' loving care doesn't take long to evaporate !!
So what is the ideal solution ? Perhaps a bit of both. Improved and easy living where one used to be and more frequent visits and support by close relations , if available. These days in many countries , and in this one, authorities are seriously thinking , planning and building better easy 'social' housing units which could make life a lot easier for even the most frail individual. And if 'living' can be improved and made user-friendly, many will continue to reside in their own 'home' rather than seeking shelter elsewhere. This does not necessarily mean 'ghettos' of older people ; these units can be built and run amidst ordinary residential estates. With nearly 10% of citizens being above 80 and often with frailty, the society must become more and more 'age-freindly'. The residential units are made more safe with help easily available at times of immediate need -- various community based 'activities' could provide company and mental stimulation.
It is often forgotten , suitable and appropriate residence is so useful and important - it makes life more bearable and enjoyable and may reduce 'dependency'!!
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