Nature and Impact of Family Care in the Life of Elderly People: A Study in Dhaka City

Abstract

Family care is an important issue that plays a significant role in the life of elderly people since the number of elderly people is increasing and the role of the families is also changing. The family structure reduces the number of caregivers in the family, and it has a crucial implication on the healthy life of older people. The objective of this study is to explore the nature and impact of family care in the life of elderly people in Dhaka city. This study is mainly qualitative in nature and the case study method was followed to understand the in-depth situation of family caregiving. Through a purposive sampling technique, 20 families were selected as cases from the Dhaka South City Corporation area. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect some qualitative data. The study findings indicated that the majority of elderly people get care from spouses and children to perform the basic activities necessary for daily life where women play a vital role. Family members provide both daily living and instrumental support to the elderly people. Moreover, this study found that lack of family attachment, busy urban life, professional stress, involvement of women in the labor market, migration of youth, individualism, limited formal and non-formal caregivers, lack of proper health and disease related information and knowledge, and apathetic attitude are the major challenges for getting adequate and effective elderly care. The findings suggest home-based and community-based care program is needed to support family caregivers and older people to stay in their homes and communities.