Muslims are required to care for their parents once they attain old age. Whether it is by providing a home for them or having them live together, many Muslim families understand that are nursing home is out of the question for their parents. It is sometimes seen as a sign of disrespect.
Nowadays however, many families consist of two working parents with many errands and chores shared between them. Their children are out of the home, at school or extra-curricular activities. This is usually leaves their elderly grandparents alone at home. Even if one parent works or stays at home, looking after an aged parent or parent-in-law can be a difficult task with all the other chores heaped together. Under today's circumstances therefore, the care home facility may be the better option for elderly parents.
Health concerns are not uncommon in the golden years. Nursing and care homes have trained staff in administering health care to their clients, relays Better Caring, a network for nursing homes. Older people may find it more difficult keeping track of their medications, but with a strict regime logged in at nursing homes, the elderly will be able to receive the appropriate medical attention they need.
Seniors Site, a site dedicated to those above the age of 50, list physical activities as one of the activities arranged within nursing homes - even wheelchair-bound peers may join in the fun. Most nursing homes are equipped with exercise activities that help the elderly keep fit. Keeping fit curbs old age depression and the feelings of unworthiness. Exercise is an integral part of health and being physically active will benefit elderly citizens. If a senior citizen remains in her own home or lives with a son or daughter, she may have the tendency spend hours in front of the television waiting for other members of the household to return.
Having a social circle of peers is important for people of any age. Solitude can breed depression and conjure up lonely memories from the past, especially if the parent has lost his or her spouse. According tto the Royal College of Psychiatrists, depression in older age groups are not uncommon and being around friends can help the burden just by being there to listen to problems. Socialising with other citizens keeps the mind moving forward even if it just day by day. In fact, some senior citizens find new spouses in nursing care just to be kept accompanied for the rest of their days.
Being left home alone can be dangerous for aged parents. Not only is the crime rate rising, even in suburbs, but the dangers inherent in a home - such as tripping over toys or setting the stove on fire - are not inevitable. In a nursing home, dangers such as these are curbed since all activities are held under supervision. There is always someone there to look out for them.
Many Muslim families may still not be at ease with the idea of sending old parents off to a care home. However, many facilities are flexible in the services they provide. Some may cater to those who wish to only stay for the day and return home to their families at night. This allows them to spend time with their families in the evening, especially when everyone is around. Other families may choose to have their parents home for weekends. Depending on your family and parents' needs, a nursing home service may be the best for the two people you care about most.