SERVICES ON OFFER FROM POROSH

When Porosh decided to launch its services to address the medical and non-medical needs of the elder citizens of Kolkata (and its suburbs) the primary objective was, and still it is so, to offer quality services at affordable rates. Although it may sound a bit incongruous yet we were convinced that a lofty goal pursued with devotion and sincerity can make it happen.

Keeping in line with the Mission statement of Porosh -To offer reliable service within means – the first task was to assess the Team’s strength for delivering a range of services. After a few rounds of brainstorming sessions a clear picture emerged gradually. We could finally zero-on the services that we confident of offering. The next task was deciding on the prices at which the services could be offered. Once decided, the third step was finalization of packages to be offered. A conscious decision was taken to keep it simple. Accordingly, only three packages were designed.

Members enrolling for either Aastha (for couples) at Rs.5000 per month, or Sneho (for single)at Rs.3000 per month can avail

1. 24*7 Emergency Assistance

2. Doctor Home Visit once a quarter

3. Caregiver visit once a quarter

4. Courtesy Call twelve times a quarter

5. Health Check-up (bi-annual)

6. Health Monitoring (BP and Glucose) once a quarter

7. 360 Degree IP Camera with two-way communication (Excluding Wifi Router, Internet Connection, Installation Charge and Wires)

But then, how about those who do not wish to avail either of the two standard packages? Are they to be left out? Certainly not. For them Parisheba was designed.It offers a bouquet of services for one to choose and pick-up from.

It may be noted that those who wish to avail Aastha/Sneho can also opt for any of the services offered under the umbrella of Parisheba.

Dementia and the Role of Family Members

Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Memory loss is an example. In other words, it is characterised by a gradual decline of mental faculties which can at best be slowed down (and not arrested) through proper care and love by the family members.

When Porosh is invited for conducting counselling sessions of the clients suffering from dementia we make it a point at first to meet the concerned individual and the family members. It is an important cog in the wheel as one needs to understand the extent of dementia the person is afflicted with. Speaking to the family members is equally important to know about the person and his/ her past. After that we take a conscious call to either accept the responsibility, or to reject it.

Our experience dealing with such cases has been a mixed bag. In some cases, we have been able to make bed-ridden clients hale and hearty and yet there have also been a few where we have fallen short of our own expectations. In course of weekly review we discuss about the progress of all the clients. In course of this exercise we have realized that success, or failure of the counselling sessions to a great extent is also dependent on the family members.

Beyond an iota of doubt if the family members continue to show sympathy and exude warmth in dealing with persons suffering from dementia, after the counsellors set the tone, then does a world of good. On the contrary, if the role of family members is cold apathy and neglect then no matter how effective the counselling sessions are the client’s condition will continue to deteriorate at a faster rate. And that is indeed very frustrating.

LONELINESS – THE SCOURGE OF OLD AGE

Do we not know that with the passage of time elderly people suffer from age related problems? One might say, “Obviously so. Koi shak? It is but a natural process of decay that sets into motion with time.” But, how deeply-rooted is this widely held belief? Quite a bit and rightly so.

However, Porosh’s experience dealing with elderly citizens seems to indicate that various so-called age related health issues are often symptomatic of a deeper problem. Let us elaborate it a little bit. There was a time not so long ago when joint family system despite its own set of limitations provided a psychological cushion of sorts to the elderly members of a family by way of daily interaction with the family members who were around to take care of. It was a usual phenomenon to have three generations staying together under the same roof. We ourselves have been part of this system till recently. While son(s) were away from home in pursuit of job you had daughter(s)-in-law and grand-children to interact with. But not any more.

With the advent of nuclear family system elderly parents have to often fend for themselves to say the least. The internal support system which used to be taken for granted till some time back no longer exists. As a result, not only do they feel lonely but also find their daily existence suffocating due to lack of meaningful discussions, or intellectually stimulating conversations with ayah’s and maids. They become forced recluse and soon start to feel useless and a burden on their near and dear ones.

Naturally, they make themselves vulnerable to various health problems like depression, sleeplessness, sugar, BP etc.

It is under these circumstances that the role of professional Care Giver often becomes a game changer. By dint of their professional expertise they can engage in meaningful conversations with the elderly suffering from loneliness. Porosh has been first-hand witness to many such instances when an otherwise spiritless client has once again become cheerful and eagerly awaits the Care Giver’s visit for discussions on current affairs and some friendly banter.

Therefore, what the dependent elderly parents want more than anything else is a decent company to speak and be heard. Otherwise, loneliness becomes a scourge for them. Material riches become immaterial.