Is it better for the elderly people to live with children and grandchildren when they can no longer take care of themselves independently? Or it is better to reside in nursing home, looked after by the professional caregivers?
Aging population is a critical issue faced by several countries which have low birth rate, particularly Japan. As this issue emerges, a question in managing the elders’ lives has surfaced. Should they be living together with the family or be looked after by the professional caregivers? From my perspective, I would reckon that it is best for the aged to live with their families.
As one may be aware of, living alone in a new detached environment when one loses the independent strength is often depressing. When one ages, it is always not the loss of physical strength that upsets one, but rather the loneliness that engulfs one is driving one mad. Same theory applies to the aged. When they grow older, they need mental support more than anything else. Thus, it is best that they can cling on to someone who they are close to, someone who they are familiar with. However, this “someone role” is never simple, it is a special position that a professional caregiver can never surpass. The professional caregiver might be good in providing those healthy or physical cares, but they are never good enough to replace the role of a kin. Only kin that shares the same blood will be able to support the aged, with love that will outshine the remaining of their lives.
In addition, the presence of elders in a family can cultivate a strong sense of family value among youngsters, especially the innocent kids. Through the daily contacts with their grandparents, the young little kids will not feel estranged to this affable love. The kids are very talented in imitating. By observing the ways their parents taking care of their grandparents, the young little kids will learn to respect the elder people. This connection may seem trivial to have an impact on the kids, but it is proved by experts that the little memory that erected in their childhood memories can always affect their future behaviors. Hence, a child who grows up with the presence of grandparents is believed to have benefits too, in terms of character-building.
Elderly people, who are viewed as sage with great life wisdom, are great treasures of every household. Instead of being sent in to the special nursing home, it will be a better idea for them to live with their families. It is not about saving the expensive cost for the special residence, but the family affection that matters. Being around with someone that you are close to is always better than being alone in a new environment; furthermore, you are staying with your own flesh.
Time spent: 30 minutes.
Weird essay.
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