Elderly Homes And What The Costs Is
The movies and Google Images often paint a serene and cheerful picture of elderly homes. However, a visit to an actual elderly home reveals a different reality.
In my country, elderly homes vary widely. These differences stem from the monthly fees the resident or families can afford, the range of services provided to residents, and the specific areas in which these homes are located.
The photo above shows an actual elderly home in my country, designated for individuals relying solely on state pension provisions. Residents here receive two meals a day, supplied by charitable organizations. Their accommodations resemble dormitories, with rooms designed for either single occupancy or shared by couples.
Residents in this elderly home use half of their $116 monthly state pension to cover rent, with the remaining amount allocated for personal toiletries. Visiting these individuals, you’ll often hear stories of children who have emigrated or live in other parts of the country. Some residents are childless and lack any family support, leaving them no choice but to seek accommodation in an elderly home.
Upon arriving at this elderly home, you are welcomed by residents with big smiles, warm hugs, and friendly greetings. They are always eager to sit down and chat, hungry for conversation with visitors. Despite nearly 200 residents, they long for news from the outside world and lively discussions. Life here can become monotonous and depressing due to illness, missing family members, and a lack of stimulation. Activities are often repetitive and fail to engage their minds.
This elderly home receives visits from external organizations two to three times a month, where residents are treated to music, singing, delicious snacks, and gifts. This is heartening news, as society often neglects the elderly in the rush of daily life, forgetting the principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Consider the possibility of one day being a resident in an elderly home — wouldn’t you cherish visits filled with music, treats, and gifts? It’s important to show the same kindness and love now that we would hope to receive in the future.
Whatever your parent tells you about their experience in the elderly home is true. I plan to share more posts on this topic, as many occurrences within these homes may seem unbelievable to us as children or family members, because they sound like fiction.
