Josphat Kamanya, a counselor at Living Clean Society, says that the older people grow, the more they need care – medical, social and sometimes even physical.He suggests seeking treatment for whatever illnesses they may be suffering from, and maintaining an environment where old people feel loved and appreciated.
“When an elderly person is unwell, thorough diagnosis is important, so that you know what you are dealing with. Then formulate a treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy and psycho-social support.”
Psycho-social support is basically creating an environment where the elderly person is accepted with all the prevailing issues that they may be going through. Eliminate stigmatization, and foster self-acceptance through inter-personal relationships.
“At St Mary’s Village, the women are in a better place, compared to living alone, or in neglect. They have all-round care from the sisters and the other care-givers. They have each other as company, each of them has accepted their limitations, as well as those of the others, and they lack for nothing as far as basic needs are concerned,” he says.
You also have to know the threshold that a person is operating from.
“Many old people areeither remorseful or grateful; remorseful for the goals not achieved or for how ‘bad’ their life has turned out, or grateful for achieved goals. This will make them either grumpy and depressed, or joyful and involved in community work. Either way, knowing their specific threshold will determine the kind of care you give.”