The Role of Old Age Homes in Supporting the Social, Physical & Emotional Needs of Elderly Individuals: A Case Study of Old Age Home District Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research explores role of old age homes in addressing social, physical & emotional needs of aged people with a focus on old age home in District Sahiwal, Punjab as in Pakistan, the aged population has brought various challenges to the structures of traditional caregiving especially in the context of the changing family aspects and urbanization. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection by interviews, focus group discussions, surveys and participant observation employing a mixed-method approach. Twenty-eight elderly persons & five caregivers contributed in the study to offer various perspectives on institutional caregiving system. Findings of the study disclose that old age homes play a vital role in the social support and provide healthcare services, nutritious meals and assistance in activities of everyday life. The emotional well-being vestiges a significant challenge because the residents report feelings of loneliness due to limited family interaction and inadequate psychological support. Moreover, the article also points out challenges lie inadequate funding, shortage of staff training and societal stigma surrounding institutional care affecting the quality of services provided and also highlights the role of old age homes in filling the gaps which were left by the traditional caregiving models. The recommendations of the study include the introduction of psychological counseling, the family engagement, the need of training for caregivers and starting the awareness campaigns to reduce societal stigma and also provides valuable measures for policymakers, caregivers and the stakeholders to develop sustainable & culturally sensitive elderly care frameworks in Pakistan.