By Paramjit Singh For my 76-year-old father, the process of alienation from the family was slow and painful. He had worked at a public sector undertaking reaching a mid-level position before taking premature retirement. All through his life, he had been cheerful and energetic. He was the one who would insist on socialising. He loved…
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…
By Abid Adil My mother had never liked hospitals, or doctors. In fact, she felt that they were there to simply scam the patients. She would avoid going to hospitals and even strongly discouraged us from a visit to the doctors. To most ailments, she would simply say that it would become alright over a…
By Adharv Chaitanya My mother died about five years back. It was quite sudden. She didn’t wake up from her sleep. Just like that she was gone. My father, now nearing 80, tried to cope with her demise. Things were more or less fine, till my father felt uneasy while having lunch one day. My…
By Sahana Dutt What are the common deathbed regrets that people have as they await their inevitable death? This is a question that often comes to my mind. What is it that I will regret most when I reach that stage? All of us live different lives; some feel fulfilled at a life well lived….
By Anna Rose “Please take her home,” said the attending doctor as he again read the latest medical reports of my mother who was suffering from a debilitating lung disease that made it difficult for her to breathe without oxygen support. The doctor was gentle. He explained that nothing much can be done for my…
By Bimala Gaurangi I have been a caregiver or a companion to the elderly for over a decade now. During this period, I have worked with almost a dozen ageing women in different homes, women with different social backgrounds, lifestyles, health and family problems. Each experience has been different. However, one thing is common. The…