Socio-legal aspects of old homes in Bangladesh

Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :

Senior citizens are often neglected in their families, society and there is no legal framework regarding their wellbeing in Bangladesh. Negligence from family and relatives, encountering various forms of diseases and financial crisis are main challenges met by elderly people. In Bangladesh most of the older people live in rural areas and they are often ignored by their near and dear ones beyond the notice of public eyes. Accordingly, vulnerability of the older people in terms of food consumption, shelter, community and social attitude is increasing in present social context. As a result, actual demand for old homes, caregivers and rehabilitation centers are much higher than the documented demand. Indeed, to ensure minimum dignity, care, respect, and treatment for the older people, the concept of setting up adequate number of old homes and rehabilitation center has become a burning issue. Despite steps being taken by the government, radical steps are necessary.
Governmental old homes of Bangladesh are established under the supervision of social welfare ministry of Bangladesh, whereas the private initiatives for older persons are registered and monitored by the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 (amended in 2007) and the section 19 of the ordinance the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (registration and control) Rules, 1962 has been passed. The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (registration and control) Ordinance, 1961 is expedient to provide for the registration and control of voluntary social welfare agencies operating across country. This ordinance covers the whole Bangladesh. As per such ordinance a person or organization wishes to establish a company should be registered and should submit all necessary documents. Registration authority shall process such registration in prescribed format. None of the agency shall be established or continued their service without maintenance in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.
In many cases it is being observed that both private and public old homes operating across Bangladesh is not following proper rules and guidelines to ensure proper service and health care facilities to the senior citizen who are availing their services. In reality, rich, upper-class older people want better old homes with modern facilities. Apart from government old homes, many private old homes have been established to provide elderly care services. There are no old homes for mid and low- income families and they struggle to bear the high expenses of private old homes. Moreover, the number of private old homes is not recorded and they are not monitored by the government agencies. The present challenge is to ensure old homes not only for those who are financially sound because every older person has right to get the facilities of old homes.
Thus, the major challenges of old homes are limited number of healthcare facilities, absence of proper recreation and motivational events for the residents. In most of the old homes, there is no improved diet facilities, skilled caregivers, physical exercise opportunity, counseling system, recreation facilities and awareness rising program. It is mandatory for the older person to intake proper nutrition for supporting their health condition. Absence of registered nutritionist in many old homes is creating great challenge for the vulnerable older. Moreover, absence of skilled therapist and ineffective therapy session is creating blockage in mental condition.” Often, older person who resides at old homes are mentally challenged. In this situation, regular physical and counseling service can reduce such mental blockage and demotivation from their mind. Often, absence of proper medication or irregular visit of doctor in old homes is creating a great challenge for the vulnerable older people to conduct regular activities. Absence of routine check-up may give rise to deeper physical problems in the long run. To support emerging number of old homes comparing to availability there is no other alternatives than proper service management. Thus, there are not enough facilities for older people to get proper treatment.
The National Policy on Older Persons was formulated in 2013. Although the policy is a positive initiative, due to lack of specific legal framework and sincere efforts from the concerned ministries, it yet to be properly implemented. Most of the older people and service providers’ authorities are unaware of the policy. Number of older generations is increasing in a rapid manner. Therefore, alongside with public initiatives, private initiatives also play a vital role in ensuring proper Assistance and support for the older people. Affiliation of both public and private initiatives can result in significant change in service quality and awareness quantity. In this regard, a separate cell on ‘Ageing Affairs’ under the concerned Ministry should be established for delivering essentials services and ensuring fundamental rights.
Senior citizens deserve more attention and care from family, society as well as the country. Usually, the elderly needs are ignored as there is no comprehensive legal framework with relation to respecting, promoting and protecting the rights of older people. The government should establish a significant number of old homes both in rural and urban to meet the basic needs of older people. With the present demands of elderly, the law should be enacted for the execution of the national policy and for providing social service facilities to ease the plight of the older people. It is required to uphold the aged-friendly society for the proper execution of the laws and policies. Additionally, the government should adopt the Madrid Plan of Action towards achieving the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development of all citizens including the elderly so that they can pass their later life with respect, dignity and peace.

(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP).