Q1. How should we go about equipping caregivers with knowledge of the available resources to care for the elderly?

in SENIORS

3 comments

3 Comments

ARDayan

Oct 06, 2022

This is the wrong question to start off.

We should begin by asking what are the reasons for engaging a caregiver in a family that has an elderly or two? There are different reasons why families engage care givers. While some care givers should have knowledge in taking care of the elderly, there are just as many elderly who are knowledgeable about how to care for themselves. And this depends...

Are there any survey data or are there any studies done and can be shared about why the Malays and Muslim families engage or employ caregivers?

Also when we refer to the elderly, who are we referring to? Which age groups? 1) mid 60s 2) 70-75 3) 76-80 4) 80+

Another important factor is why are there caregivers being employed specially for the elderly?

1) Are the elderly left alone when the children/grand children go to work/to school, to keep company, for safety, etc.?

2) Are the elderly healthy?

3) What's their level of education?

4) Are the elderly having some comorbidity issues viz.

a) physical - stroke, kidney failure, obesity

b) mental - depression, dementia , PD

c) ambulatory - paralysis, amputation

5) SES of the family/elderly

excellence

Oct 07, 2022

Replying to

I think we'll need to first establish a common understanding the definition of who makes an elderly caregiver.

Is the term 'caregiver' a role played by industry professionals? Or can it also refer to family members who take care of the elderly? Once this is ironed out, the question on what the reasons are for engaging a caregiver could be addressed better.

ARDayan

Oct 07, 2022

Replying to

A care giver can be paid or other wise, a professional or a family member in house or professional at an institution.

So by understanding and identifying the needs and issues of the elderly you can then identify what kind of caring level of service is needed.

Then you can decide whether you want and can do it (do you have the resources-money, capacity, skills, time, agreement) within or among family members or get a paid carer in-house (at home) or if it is necessary to let professionals care for the elderly in an institution.

Clearly the issue "equipping care givers..." should not be the first question posed.