When caregivers do not care

CAREGIVERS are supposed to take on the role of trusted confidants, emotional anchors and even surrogate family members.

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Their presence can dramatically improve quality of life, especially for the elderly, disabled or chronically ill.

In days gone by, when the joint family system was in place, the bulk of caregiving was conducted by relatives and neighbours.

This was before the rise of professional health care systems and elder care facilities, and families were the primary support system for those who were ill, ageing or disabled.

In multigenerational households, it was common for grandparents, parents and children to live under one roof.

Elders were cared for by their children and grandchildren, often out of love, duty or cultural expectation.

With the evolving structure of society, urban migration and dual-income households, many people simply don’t have the time or proximity to provide full-time care.