by David Ireland

Created on: June 14, 2008

Perhaps it might be best to define the term elderly for the purpose of this debate. In the context, it appears that the term really means unable to live independently. If this is the case then the consideration of, on whom the onus of care falls, will largely involve ascertaining the pertinent facts as they relate to the individual cases. There can be no "one size fits all" solution.

In general, modern society has seen a huge increase in social mobility, meaning that individual family members tend to move residences far more than past generations did. It is this trend towards more flexible residential locations that can make caring for elderly patients much more difficult. Firstly, because the patient might have to be moved away from other friends and relatives and secondly, because the physical move might be difficult for health reasons.

The next issue is one of who might provide the best standard of care. Many families who have taken on the responsibility of elderly patient care with the best of intentions, have failed. Witness family breakups caused by not being able to holiday, go out, socialize at home, play sport or even shop when there is a high demand care situation at home. Things not only can become extremely difficult but long periods of caring can cause insurmountable difficulties. What happens when the carer loses employment or is transferred? Many issues are not given due consideration before the care is offered.

In a professional care environment, medically trained staff see to the needs of patients and can readily recognize situations that have become critical. Providing a social routine with peers is much simpler, as is the provision of ability appropriate activities. While, to many able bodied and able minded people, the notion of being an inpatient at some sort of institution can raise a sense of repulsion, this is not necessarily how the patient might see it. Sure, it does depend upon the quality of the care giving institution but if the right choices are made, it shouldn't be an issue.

Many of you have encountered the aged people who openly resist any suggestion that they might be institutionalized. These people can often make the very worst home care patients. They can be very demanding, jealous, cause family rifts, be inconsiderate or just plain unsociable. The strains that they can place on younger families both emotionally and financially can ruin many lives.

Having aging or infirm parents doesn't magically give you the skills to be an at home carer. Because of strong emotional attachment to the patient, many children are in fact, the worst people to provide an effective level of needs based care for their parents. As you shouldn't administer your own brand of medicine to your family nor should you tender home made nursing care.

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