Is it a Contest Caring for our Elderly - Who Cares?

Do you like to take care? I'll be honest, I don't. I cannot and do not always want to take care of someone. It does not matter whether they are children, adults or elderly people, family or friends. Caring for someone else is difficult, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. It not only takes time but also a lot of energy.

Would I care for an elderly person?
The first question that comes to mind is: what is meant by an elderly? How needy is that person and what kind of care is needed? There are people over 90 who live independently, skydive, write a book and don't need anyone.

I previously worked in a retirement home for several years - these no longer exist, only nursing homes for those who can no longer live independently with assistance and are already on the verge of death - so I know that caring is a very broad concept.
I also worked as a volunteer and went out with an elderly lady in a wheelchair or looked after her to relieve her husband so that he was free from care for a few hours.

I regularly receive a questionnaire from the city with questions about how I like my house, if I need help, know and use assistance agencies, know people who need help and if I provide care to others. It is a great initiative from the city, but the question is if it helps. Will those who need it the most use it? I don't think I would.

Help is available, but everything comes with a price tag. Assistance includes help with the house chores, washing and dressing, dinner delivered, volunteers who do the shopping or take the elderly out or keep them company there are dog walking services and there are societies for the elderly. I remember how one year ago taught elderly people how to use a computer, which is a good initiative. Sometimes they organise trips, but not every elder likes to come along. Anyone who is still able to walk does not always want to be among the sick. I know that my grandmother went out with church sometimes, the question is whether she liked it.

With us the elderly are often labelled aged 50-80 or 85. To be honest, I find that strange. How many 50-year-olds have something in common with an 80-year-old? Those who are 50 are still working, those who are 80 have been retired for years.

For years I participated in a campaign by 'de Zonnebloem' foundation. The intention was to make a surprise with a gift and poem for an elder without relatives. This gift was delivered to their doorstep on December 5, Saint Nicholas evening.

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When it comes to health, the highly educated Dutch person will certainly pay attention to this, regardless of age. The problem of good nutrition is a different story. The older you get, the less money you have to spend. Expensive health insurance has to be paid and the tax authorities always want to see money. The average Dutch person pays bills first and if there is any money left over, it is spent on medicine and next on food. So food comes last and that is an attitude that needs to change.

Hygiene? It is more than washing a face and hands before the meal, the feet need attention, they are often forgotten simply because many find it difficult to reach them. Long, thick, fungal nails, athlete's foot and thick layers of calluses that need to be cut away are common problems, as are the consequences of diabetes (rotting body parts) and high blood pressure.

In the Netherlands you cannot just visit the doctor and he will not easily make a house call. The average doctor no longer knows his clients.

Those without family, friends or contact with neighbours will be forgotten. No one cares about them. Those who do not use any local services, and there are more and more of them thanks to the Internet, will not easily be found if they have an accident or die indoors.

A few years ago I read about the idea of having the postman keep an eye on houses. I don't think this plan has been worked out, but perhaps it is something for a street or neighbourhood watch?

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The problem of loneliness is difficult to solve and loneliness is increasing. Not only among the elderly but also among young people. Lonely people are not likely to ask for help, nor are they the first to help someone else. Anyone who is lonely has no one around them, forgets how to talk and has the feeling of slowly sinking into the swamp.
For some, a pet may be an option because it gives meaning to life, but if not taken care of yourself an animal is a burden and a source of worry. I read that robot cats have been used in the nursing home in the village that can be petted and purr.

A robot is not a replacement for people, but I can imagine that it can be a big help at home, perhaps it can also read books or recite poems for those who have poor vision and act as a companion on the street and carry groceries. It could be a practical help and distraction against loneliness. The older you get, the more people die around you and accepting modern times is not easy for everyone.

Lonely elderly people are hard to reach, they are hardly noticeable individuals. They live their lives alone and mostly indoors. To be honest, I wouldn't even know who is lonely in my nearest area and I also put that on the city's questionnaire. I doubt the neighbours would appreciate it if I rang the bell at every house to ask: Are you lonely, shall I keep you company for an hour?

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I wish that those who can no longer live independently would receive better care. To stay in bed 24/7 starving and thirsty while in your urine and feces is degrading and unhealthy.

But who will provide in all the care needed? It's a problem. The government does not want to, even though this is the generation that built the country after the Second World War. These are the hard workers whose results we and many others benefit from. Don't we owe these people something instead of calling them guzzlers, polluters and useless? Perhaps we should introduce young people to volunteer work in the care field, and every adult should sacrifice 2-3 weeks a year. It seems to me that that is feasible but only with the elderly who live independently because many volunteers are already active in nursing homes and hospitals.

Header/Photogrid: Canva
2-3-2024
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