There can be nothing more exasperating than taking care of elders who repeat themselves. Such behaviour literally drives both family and health caregivers up the proverbial tree. This condition can happen in elders suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It can also happen to elders who are suffering from dementia or depression. Any of these diseases, especially…
This is a first-person account of an elderly person who now requires the services of a caregiver. I turned 80 last year. I started suffering from poor health when I was in my late 70s, with the health prognosis not being good as I continued to age. Otherwise, I had a healthy life till my…
By Mehak Minocha Dr. Rupal Kaura had always believed in the power of empathy and understanding when it came to her work. As a psychologist with more than 7 years of experience, she dedicated her life to understanding and helping those struggling with mental health issues. But it wasn’t until she began focusing on the…
As a nursing assistant, I am frequently assigned to work with dementia patients. Each assignment is a challenge but there is one that is burnt in my memory. The dementia patient was 83 years old and had been suffering from dementia for almost three years. Her cognitive powers were declining, and her family was finding it…
Photo courtesy: Beerkopf By Anna Thomas I could not believe it when I was told that I am being assigned to the ICU. For a trainee nurse, the ICU is like the ultimate dream. The best and the most experienced nurses work in the Intensive Care Unit, the ICU as it is popularly known. I…
By Bimala Gaurangi As a health attendant, I encounter several situations. But nothing is more distressing than watching grown ups argue with their elderly parents. You wonder what is happening. Don’t the children realise that their mother or father are no longer normal? Does it make sense to argue with your elders or browbeat them?…
By Triveni Mehtab A caregiver is needed to perform the most thankless jobs. There is too much misery and heartbreak. At times, you have to steel yourself to get ready and go to the house of the elderly person whose family has hired you. The family thinks that its job is over once the caregiver…
By Shajan C Kumar Sibling rivalry is a persistent challenge for many elderly parents, often stemming from mishandled situations in their children’s early lives. This phenomenon can continue into adulthood, affecting sibling relationships and causing distress for aging parents. The complexities of sibling dynamics are influenced by various factors, including parenting styles, expectations, and individual…
By Anitha Kumar In the tranquil landscapes of Kerala, a state known for its high literacy rate, the elderly find solace and joy in a simple yet profound daily ritual – reading newspapers. The printed paper is more than a source of news. For many, like the remarkable Ammini Amma from Thrissur district, it is…