Top 4 Ways to Safeguard Abandoned Elders

India, similar to the rest of the world, has seen rapid growth in the number of elderly people. As per a report published by NITI Aayog, at present the elderly population comprises a little over 10% of the entire population, i.e. about 104 million, and the percentage is expected to increase to 19.5% of the total population by 2050. Population aging has health, social, and economic implications, which currently lack comprehensive and integrated policies for care and support of the elderly. Infrastructural gaps in aspects of health, narrow social support systems, inaccessible infrastructure and inadequate R&D activities are some areas of concern. The rising trend of nuclear families has also led to the diminishing of traditional family support systems. As a result, senior citizens are falling prey to emotional, social, financial, and even physical abuse, and very often lead to them being abandoned.

Shankar Mugalkhod, founder of Grace Foundation, says, “Many elderly are abandoned by their own families, when they fall sick. They lie on the streets unable to take care of themselves. Few have dementia and cannot even recall where they have come from. Many lack basic Aadhar identification numbers and they are unable to acquire one due to lack of address. Due to factors like these, taking in abandoned elderly requires police procedures and documentation that could dissuade people.” In this light, it is pertinent to address the issue at an individual level. This can be done through the following measures.

• Supporting Caregivers

Caring for sick and elderly people can be a mentally and physically exhausting task. People responsible for the care of senior citizens often feel bound by family bonds and societal norms to serve their elders without complaint. However, managing domestic harmony along with navigating the lack of health infrastructure required for proper elderly care becomes a difficult task, as is seen across India. A study conducted in the United States has reported that 20% of caregivers fear turning abusive to the elders they care for. The first step in addressing the issue of elder abandonment is enabling a functional relationship between the elderly and the caregiver. This can be done through educating the caregivers on the availability of resources available to them, and increasing social support to families who care for elders. Counselling and treatment for caregivers should also be encouraged, enabling them to cope with issues—mental, domestic, or financial—that may otherwise lead to abandonment of the elder. A strong social support system by extended families and friends would certainly benefit the caregiver as well the elderly. 

• Promoting a family structure conducive to the elder members

With urbanisation and migration for jobs, the nuclear family has become the standard family structure. This structure does not allow for intergenerational bonds of the elderly members with their kids and grandkids. As a result, they often end up being neglected by the family members. This disconnect between the elderly and the family acts as an incentive for elder abandonment. Promoting a family structure that holds the elderly as significant members may help in decreasing the number of those abandoned. Encouraging intergenerational activities and emotional bonds, and fostering close relationships can help avoid situations where the elders feel isolated or neglected, and provide a supportive environment for them. 

• Role of NGOs and care homes

The elderly, especially old women, living in urban areas express concern over sourcing essentials and hiring reliable care workers for themselves. Many elderly women who have been interviewed prefer shifting to institutional care over relying on domestic help. In this regard, there is a need to invest in care homes in the country that are equipped to look after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the elderly and provide them with a conducive environment. In fact, the government almost exclusively relies on NGOs for senior care. Several NGOs and care homes are providing rescue and care to senior citizens who have been abandoned or are homeless. These organisation function through donations and aim to provide senior citizens with safe shelter, nutritious food, medicines, and other basic essentials. Volunteer programs and support groups provide abandoned elders with companionship, help with daily tasks, and emotional support. Religious groups also prove to be a haven for the elderly. However, the extent of the work done by NGOs and care homes is limited due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Investment by the government, and well-off sections of the society are much required.

• Social Awareness

Abandoned elders become social responsibilities. There is a need to spread awareness on how to properly care for an elder, thus reducing the number of those abandoned, as well as how to deal with a case of abandonment. The establishment of social networks, providing financial or emotional support to families caring for the elderly, and educating people about respecting and caring for adults is necessary. Valuing and supporting the elderly population will discourage their abandonment.

Often considered burdens, senior citizens are easy targets of coercion and manipulation, and many experience abuse, especially after transferring property to children. Support systems for senior citizens lack proper execution at present. The government and the public need to work together to address the issue of elder abandonment. Safeguarding abandoned elders is a difficult task in the present society, with our best solution being to dissuade caregivers from abandoning elders.

Q. What do I do if I spot an abandoned elder?

A senior citizen who is alone, and looks confused, lost, or frightened may have been abandoned. They may also appear malnourished, dehydrated, or have poor hygiene. A neglected elder may also show uncharacteristic mood swings or signs of depression. On encountering an abandoned elder, contact authorities or welfare organisations that may provide them with medical attention and rehabilitation. At present, the primary responder in this case are the police. You may call the police control room, the local police station, or the senior citizen’s helpline 14567.

Q. What has been the Government's response to the problems faced by the elderly?

The Government of India has implemented various policies, initiatives, and action plans to rectify the concerns of the elderly. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the primary branch of the government that is responsible for welfare of senior citizens. It works closely with other ministries such as Health & Family Welfare, Finance, Ayush, as well as with state governments, private organisations and NGOs to implement policies and programs for welfare of the elderly.

Q. Is there any legal provision ensuring security for senior citizens?

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, has several proposals that concern maintenance, maintenance amount, abandonment or abuse of senior citizens, home care services, healthcare, police protection, etc. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), under the NALSA Legal Services to Senior Citizens Scheme, 2016 has also made provisions to ensure legal aid and advice to senior citizens.

Q. What can be done to prevent elder abandonment at the individual level?

Elder abandonment, in most cases, happens when the elderly in question becomes a financial, physical, or emotional burden. To prevent abandonment due to these reasons at an individual level, one may work to ensure that the primary caregiver is sufficiently equipped with the knowledge and support required to easily deal with the issues of the elderly. If you are the primary caregiver, you should seek resources to help you navigate areas that hinder you from establishing a caring relationship with the elderly, one that ensures comfort of both the people involved. Spreading awareness about social resources and providing assistance will also prove beneficial to the elderly and caregivers.