More options necessary for the elderly

[Lite Beer]

More options necessary for the elderly
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Though there are pricey oldage homes and places like Sawangkanives, many old people still find themselves stranded

THAILAND only has some 12 state-run old-age homes, with capacity to accommodate no more than 1,000 people. As a consequence, many old people have died while waiting for the opportunity to receive much-needed care, and sadly this problem looks like it will get worse given that the number of seniors in the Kingdom is growing.

Coupled with falling birth rates, nearly a fourth of the population will be over the age of 65 by 2035.

"Nowadays, we see more old people roaming the streets," Natee Saravari, secretary-general of the Issarachon Foundation, said, adding that many ended up living on the streets because they did not get any support from their families.

Former likay star Samruay Onlamun, 72, recalled that the children of her adopted son forced her to work like a slave after their father died.

"So I ran away and asked the foundation for help," she said.

Fortunately, the foundation found a place for her at an old-age home, and now Samruay can be free of worries.



Hideout for the better off

In contrast, Dr Boonprapat Paewsakul, 69, does not have to worry about being lonely or not having younger relatives by her side.

"I prepared for my retirement years well ahead," the pensioner says.

She lives in a Sawangkanives project, which was launched as part of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's initiative to address the needs of ageing people in the country.

Sawangkanives is open to those willing to pay a six-digit sum for a condo unit. All residents are retired and have the opportunity to interact with people of the same age.

"I am not heading for an elderly home out of necessity. I've come here on my own decision. It's my choice," Boonprapat explained.

In her younger years, this doctorate holder worked as an educational supervisor - a job that required her to travel a lot, and due to this dedication to her work, she never married.

Boonprapat moved into Sawangkanives more than a year ago and says she has no regrets.

Dr Nart Fongsamut, a director of the Sawangkanives project, said the residents had modern attitudes and understood that living happily, as part of an extended family, was not always possible.

"The residents at our project are also proud of the fact that they are independent and not a burden to their children," she said, adding that the project held several activities for the residents so they can feel important and worthwhile.

"For instance, there is an activity in which they can serve as volunteer teachers," Nart said.

Also, the lump sum each individual puts into the project for the right to stay is also considered a form of donation.

"The money goes for the construction of Thai Red Cross Society buildings," she added.

In addition to the one-off payment, each resident also has to pay a monthly maintenance fee of Bt2,500.

The Sawangkanives has been gaining popularity. Launched last year, its second phase has received an overwhelming response.

"I realised that I have nobody to rely on in life, so I decided to book a unit here," the 62-year-old owner of an apartment building said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said she believed it would be a good idea to live with people her own age.

"We can lead a slow life together," she said. "Also, in the event of emergencies, we will be able to get medical help fast."

More than 70 per cent of the residents at Sawangkanives are single women.

Apart from this, many people have started investing in old-age homes, with some charging at least Bt17,000 per month in exchange for basic accommodation, meals and caretakers.

However, these options are only available for those who have fat wallets. Besides, not everybody wants to live in an old-age home.

"We want maintain our independence. Though we may not always have a proper meal, at least we can cook what we want," Som Nganpeam, 75, said.

Som and his wife Wian, who is in her 60s, get by on a monthly subsidy of Bt1,200 in a shabby hut in Pathum Thani.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/More-options-necessary-for-the-elderly-30257869.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-11

[maidee]

thailand loves to copy stuff

why not copy from japan ... where they encourage old people to euthanize themselves

no troll, check it out : https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=japan+encourage+older+people+to+euthanasia+themselves

[Godders]

In the UK, we don't need euthanasia. The government simply kills off around 30,000 old people each winter by ensuring they can't afford to heat their homes.

[mikebell]

Or the UK Gov freeze state pensions to starve you back to the Fatherland then they kill you in hospitals.