Aaji Care Center is here in Goa now, to offer seniors in need of assisted living a home away from home. At a half-day program to introduce the center there were songs, useful skits, talks and felicitation of eminent senior citizens of Goa…and here a finale group photograph of a happy family in the making for the cause of ageing gracefully!
By Tara Narayan
`The population of Goa in 2024 is estimated to be approximately 1.578 million. Goa has a significant elderly population, with about 8-10% of the population aged 60 and above. This means there are roughly 126,000 to 158,000 elders in the state. Studies indicate that 5-8% of individuals aged 60 and above are likely to suffer from dementia, which translates to around 6,300 to 12,640 people affected in Goa……’ (Dr Subramanya Nayak, Public Heatlh Practitioner, Medical Administrator, Aaji Care Home Health Services, Goa)
YET another home for seniors in need of assistance is here in Goa! Welcome Aaji Care which opened formally with a heartwarming felicitation of seniors on December 15, 2024 out at Ela village in Old Goa (located happily next to Healthway Hospital).
Ajji Care describes itself as Goa’s 1st assisted living center but in response to a query one of the moving spirits behind this initiative, Dr Subbu Nayak, said, “We’re open to dementia patients as also other seniors who need assisted living of any kind……” The center offers caretaking for dementia, post-operative and palliative care patients. Interestingly, in the last seven years five Aaji Care Centers have come up – located in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and now in Goa. Which is surely an indication of how much in demand services for the elderly are, it’s the fastest growing real estate in the country!
The half day program at the new Aaji Care Center in Goa welcomed everyone formally and informally, members of the Sanjeevani group sang some yesteryear songs of nostalgia (“O Sajana Barkha Bahar Aayi…etc), the ceremonial lamp was lit, some very eminent inspirational chief guests, seniors all, were felicitated. Familiar faces to recognize were Dr Ajit and Seema Shirodkar, Nascimento d’Souza, Commander Arun Patil, Dr Vijay Lulla, Lakshmi Unny, Farida Dsilva Dias and several others.
The Aaji Care magazine “Ageing Gracefully, New Insights on Quality Care” was released and a street play performance offering insight into how the first signs of dementia in elders at home generally goes untreated or neglected, there was a vote of thanks and everyone enjoyed the excellent lunch provided by Shanbhag’s Sanyog veg restaurant. Aaji Care staffers took some of the visitors who expressed an interest for a tour of the premises and rooms
In his keynote address Dr Amit Dias urged seniors to stay active doing things, exercising their mind and routine things like walking, meditation, it’s all part of ageing gracefully. Most elders acquire a paranoia of depending on other family members, he observed…try not to think like that. From birth to death we have choices and lifestyle changes can slow down many diseases. He expressed concern that Goa is now seeing more dementia patients (at least 7,000 by his estimation). It’s important to make the lifestyle changes that are required!
Lifestyle changes mean minding better eating habits, cutting the refined sugars and carbohydrates, “Most treatments are not pharmaceutical nowadays, but there are red flags to watch out for when there’s a thyroid problem, a vitamin deficiency…and these have to be treated by your doctor.”
IN India we take our seniors for granted in most families and most children even in their adult life watch out for their elders; however, the modern trend in nuclear families and increasing adult children abroad or in homes of their own chasing their own careers and family life, quality time with parents is a difficult call, forget quantity time (the parental generation ill complain). With children abroad or too busy wrapped up in their own life … it’s being observed over and over again that there’s cursory interest in seniors’ needs, even as the first handicaps of ageing or depression catches up with them.
Seniors are indeed, very lonely people, if you study the scene carefully both in wealthy homes or less wealthy working class homes.
The old Indian tradition says take care of your elderly, the new tradition thinks about where to send our old folk where they will be better looked after – at a home away from home for seniors of various denomination. Like it or not this is a growing trend reflected in the boom in real estate aimed at offering seniors a better quality of life away from their homes. Homes in which the parental generation nurtured and made the sacrifices required to give their children a better deal in life education wise and materially. How much is forgotten with the passing of time and modern-day exigencies!
There are ironies wrapped up secretively in more ironies. Today growing old has become a punishment for the many and rewarding just for the few, we see this reflected all around us in our compact so called nuclear families of “hum do, hamare do” and that’s it, extended family relationships are going for a toss like never before.
What to do, the times have changed, moan many a senior citizen. A friend of mine to whom I said hello at the new Aaji Care Center, when queried, replied humorously, “My son loves me but every morning he pops into my room to enquire anxiously if I was okay…sometimes it irks me and I ask myself how much of a burden I am to my children! That thought is unbearable!” At such times she thinks of going away to live in a seniors home while she is still mobile and all there in mind and body, heart and soul…it is always what the morrow will bring which makes seniors fearful, as they enter their 80s, 90s plus, plus. Not all grown-up children cherish seniors as treasures, for many the old folk are more like burdens who may also be eccentric and will not sign up any documents put before them to release property and bank accounts for their use! Very often signatures are forged.
It is time both at government and family level we learn to change the way we look at the elderly, it’s been found that at least 45% of problems can be prevented; wherever there is a problem there is a solution…today seniors are taking to learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or even learning how to dance, etcetera. Interestingly, one of the speakers said that loneliness is equal to smoking 15 cigarettes!
Again, in an interaction, Dr Amit Dias urged, don’t eat outside food although it is tasty and “don’t keep eating” out of frustration, “Be at peace, understand it. You cannot cure negativity. Start thinking of yourself, self-care is not selfish.” All this and much more. There’s certainly something to be said for ageing gracefully but most seniors need infrastructure at home to do so and above all – family love, someone who cares enough to make a difference for the better.
ENSURING THE BEST CARE FOR YOUR PARENTS
By Prasad Bhide
(Founder & CEO, Aaji Care Home Health Services)
MY friend called me one day and said he needed my advice on a matter regarding his mother’s heath. He called his brother and mentioned that they are both worried about their mother because she was just diagnosed with dementia. Managing their mother at home with caregivers was proving to be challenging. Her condition has rapidly gotten worse over the past three months and inability to manage the symptoms at home has caused more frustration and irritation with both the brothers and their families.
Since their children are in school and college and both of their careers involve a lot of travel both inside and outside of India, the family is finding it difficult to manage everything.
I recommended the assisted living facility and our psychologist’s brain fitness program to them. My friend was concerned about what our family members and neighbors would think of us if I kept my mother at your center.
After I gave them both a lot of guidance, they chose to put their mother in our assisted living facility 15 days later, and they now say it was the best course of action for everyone.
Their mother received the greatest care and attention she was due, their relationships improved generally – they were able to let go of the guilt, aggravation, and anxiety they had been harboring for so long. Based on the many similar calls that my team and I received, I can offer some recommendations for when someone should think about keeping their parents in any assisted living facility in India.
When to consider assisted living for your parents…
As parents age, children often face tough decisions about how to best support them. In India, where family care giving has traditionally been central, considering assisted living can be challenging . However panning for assisted living at the right time can improve both your parents’ quality of life and your own as a caregiver. If your family has concerns such as:
• Safety Issues: If your parent is at risk due to conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, frequent falls, or aggression.
• Health decline: If your patient suffers from chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes or dementia that hinder daily tasks, or needs help with mobility and medications.
• Cognitie decline: signs of dementia or memory loss may require specialized care.
Social Isolation : If your parent shows signs of depression from lack of interaction and you can’t provide enough social engagement.
Caregiver Stress: If care giving is overwhelming and affecting your wellbeing, assisted living can share the responsibility.
What is an assisted Living centre?
Assisted Living Centers provide a supportive environment for elders while promoting independence. These facilities offer a range of services, including:
- Medical Care: Regular health check-ups, medication management, and access to doctors and nurses.
- Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to maintain or improve mobility and independence.
- Personal care: Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Social activities: Programs to promote social interaction and mental stimulation.
- Nutritional support: Balanced meals and dietary planning.
- Mental Health services: counseling for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and dementia.
In conclusion, in India, choosing an assisted living facility is not an easy decision but can greatly enhance your parent’s quality of life, allowing them to age gracefully while ensuring they receive the care they need.
(Courtesy `Ageing Gracefully’)