The document discusses the importance of caring for the elderly, especially underprivileged individuals, during the COVID pandemic. It emphasizes meeting their social, emotional, and physical needs while encouraging autonomy, independence, and appropriate dietary considerations. Proper nutrition and attention to individual dietary needs are crucial for their well-being, and caregivers should avoid monotonous meals and ensure safety in food preparation.

1. THE PRIVILEGE OF
CARING FOR
THE ELDERLY

2. TAKING CARE OF THE ELDERLY
We hear many heart breaking stories of
lack of money, and food, during the times
of the COVID pandemic. This is all the
more true for the underprivileged elderly
folk. One has to understand that well-
being of the elderly involves paying
careful attention to their social, emotional
and physical needs

3. ENCOURAGING AND PRAISING INDEPENDENCE
This strips patients of their dignity or their self
esteem. We should think that our role is to
support what the infirm elderly can do, and
allow them to lead a good life in their declining
years. One should encourage their autonomy
and independence , unless there is a risk to life
and limb. Encourage healthy behavior, without
limiting the patient’s decision-making abilities.
When we praise effort and progress in small
infants, why not think that adults in such
situations need the same

4. RESPONDING COMPASSIONATELY TO NEEDS
There are people who think that the elderly do
not need three square meals a day, and should
manage with less, as they are ‘old’. Even old,
or infirm persons desire certain foods or
favorite treats.
Eating right and staying active are important at
any age. As we get older our bodies have
different needs, so certain nutrients become
especially important for good health

5. FEED THE ELDERLY
A patient’s dietary needs must be taken into
consideration, such as a low-salt diet or foods
to avoid due to diabetes. But, by no means
should they be given the same monotonous
food like plain curd rice or khichdi, day in and
day out. If they are bedridden, and do not sit up
to eat, then one has to be extra careful about
the consistency, temperature and texture of the
food, as they might have dentures and might
be unable to chew some food. In such cases,
there is a danger of choking

6. https://serudsindia.org/caring-for-the-elderly/