An old parent staying in an old age home is a common enough phenomenon. But is it desirable? Most elderly people cannot reconcile themselves to the idea of living in old age homes. We, their children, want them to live happily, in peace and preferably in the one place where they have always lived – their own homes. But this is the digital age. Aged parents are often left alone while their children go abroad to live and work. So, the next logical step is to put an old father or mother in an old age home. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with staying in an old age home, it does offend sensibilities.

• With advancing age, people often lose motor functions. Performing day to day activities becomes a daunting task. In an old age home, the association helps with daily activities. An alternative to this is having a dedicated caregiver who can help with the everyday chores around the house.
• Since old age homes are for senior citizens, doctors are always at hand and emergency services are available 24×7. Alternately, the elderly should have someone with them who can schedule appointments with doctors and go with them to the chamber. In case of a medical emergency, it’s good to have a person who can take care of hospitalisation.
• Safety is definitely an issue for senior citizens. The steady security in an old age home gives them protection from intruders and helps them live a safe and secure life.
• One of the factors that make old age homes attractive to elders is the companionship. They are in constant company of people their own age. If their children are away from home, they have to live alone and that can cause stress and depression. Living in an old age home may give rise to feelings of abandonment as well. Loneliness is also an issue. Ideally, there should be a companion at home who can fill this void. Companionship is paramount, especially for those who have lost their spouses.