Do we need Homes for Elders?

According to our culture,

Homes for the Elders are not necessary.

Back in the day, children looked after their aged parents without any hiccup. Each family, had about six to seven children. While the father was the breadwinner for the whole family and most of the children were able to look after their parents when the time came.

Things have changed now. a family has only one or two children. Both parents are employed. In some families, the father or mother is employed in a Gulf State. Looking after the aged parents would then be a problem.the best solution is to keep them in the elders’ home.

This is the system in most of the western countries.but they do it systematically. these homes are managed by the government. Elders are well looked-after and are given the necessary care, love, medical treatment and due recognition. these are not charitable institutions but are supervised by the government.

Government involvement is essential to look after the elders. It is the responsibility of the government to introduce a system to care for the significant elderly population of the country. Government registration should be made essential. I suggest a separate ministry to be established to look after the elders from which funds should be allocated. It is the right of elders to be entitled to these facilities which are available in developed countries.the dignity of an elderly person should be protected at all costs.

D.WEERATUNGA