GERIATRICS CARE: ENJOYING LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT WITH FAMILY

Rest they say: "Is sweet after labour" and also, two moments in a lifetime that requires optimum care are during childhood (paediatric) and at old/advanced age (geriatric). Lack of adequate treatment or care as such critical moments of life has affected many negatively and the more reason the need for adequately planning for such time. One bad practice i have noticed is the neglect the elderlies get while alive with much money been spent after their death on burial ceremonies and i believe this should be discouraged unless well taken care of while alive.

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The most important factor that affects the elderlies been taken good care of after retirement is lack of adequate planning for such moments by the elderlies themselves i.e. for life after retirement and also such planning by siblings/immediate family. Due to advance in age and also, ageing process, many elderlies comes down with several illness with some requiring professional healthcare management such as regular check-ups, monitoring of drugs intake etc. This i have found out in my few years of healthcare practice coupled with the fact that separation from family, friends and loved ones has negative impacts on the elderlies as they so much desires having people around them.

Personally and from the experience i had with my two grandmothers who stayed with us, i believe that taking care of the oldies i.e. elderlies at home by family members or at home with employed caregivers/healthcare professionals is best if finances is no issue. This is so because "retirement home" is not too common and looks strange especially in Africa compared to the western world with special facilities for that. Indeed, the professional care gotten from such is worthwhile, however, if the immediate family didn't have a structured time of visiting the old person, he or she may feel left out and unhappy. The more reason i believe taking care of such people by immediate family is better even though professional care can be
sorted from experts.

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In addition, for some old people who have their own apartment and might not want to leave it or whose children are afar off or who may really not like staying with their children so as not to look "burdensome", a caregiver or a close relative can be employed or assigned to help out in such duties as the case may be. In all, advance in age is a good thing that everyone desires even as it comes with its own peculiarities, challenges and the positives, however, family ties/bond should be well encouraged as this is the time these elderly ones needs their family the most not only in finances but in care, love and other things. Retirement homes is good for as many that are fine with it, however, i still believe been taken care of by the family members is still the best even though it can be coupled with engaging professionals. Thank you for reading even as comments/contributions are welcomed.

This is my entry to @Hivelearners weekly featured contents, week 144 edition 02 on "RETIREMENT HOMES OR WITH FAMILY" Thumbnail designed using Canva.