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A ray of hope for the elderly

For the past several years, 69-year-old Abdul Aziz Al Kasab has been a regular visitor to the Community Centre for the Elderly in Al Mamzar, almost ever since his elder brother took up residence at the centre 17 years ago.

The stocky old man joins his brother Juma Abbas (73), the oldest resident, of the centre and 26 others in an early morning rendezvous every day. “This is my second home,” he says. “I like coming here … they treat me nicely and we all have long chats in the majlis,” he says speaking in impeccable Urdu.

“I don’t know English and you don’t speak Arabic,” he chuckles. A retired business man, he picked up the language while working with Pakistanis and by watching Indian movies.

“The UAE government has a big heart and we welcome everyone … all we ask for is respect in return,” he says showing knowledge of daily affairs in the country.

Abdul Aziz’s cheery disposition and loud voice show no inkling that he is in pain. He comes to the centre also to exercise his leg that has been amputated just below the knee. “This happened because of diabetes,” he says pointing to the leg.

Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, the young director of the centre soothes and quiets him by offering tea. “Abdul Aziz needs to exercise his muscles daily so that he can learn how to hold the artificial leg and walk with it,” she explains. “He can now drive with that leg,” she adds.

“Taking care of the elderly is difficult,’ she says. “This is because at this age they have a number of health issues and they also become irritable at times,” adds Dr Suwaidi who is also a geriatrician.

Established in 1993, the elderly centre is the only one of its kind in Dubai that is being run by the government. The centre accepts Emiratis aged 65 and above with no social support. It is also the only centre that is being run by geriatricians as compared to others headed by general practitioners.

“We do not accept any one who has a living first degree relative … we don’t encourage such kind of practice where people can leave their elders in someone else’s care,” said Dr Suwaidi. “The elderly should remain with their families.”

Outpatients

However, at least 50 elders visit the centre as outpatients regularly for different therapies. Homecare is also provided. “Sometimes children just need to release their stress and for that they can bring their parents here and rest assured that they are well taken care of,” she said.

“Nowadays, children give everything to their old parents except time. The old like to talk and express memories of the past … and this is the family bonding that they miss the most.”

Food and medication is provided to all residents while all their basic necessities are also met as when required. Each of the 20 rooms are equipped with a TV, fridge, cupboard and so on ... visitors are welcome at any time of the day while residents are also taken on day trips.

A special Eid budget ensures that they are well taken care of. A special Emirati cuisine marks that special day. “They love receiving gifts because it makes them feel that they are not forgotten,” says Dr Suwaidi.

The routine day for them starts early. All residents are given a bath, dressed and given breakfast by 9am after which they all gather in the common room to catch up on gossip, read newspapers and recite the Quran.

“Early morning chatter fills the majlis each day as all of them love commenting on articles in newspapers,” says the doctor. “It is a rich and meaningful conversation that they have.”

In the annex of the centre, 80-year-old Ali Hassan is learning to throw sandbags into a basket. Apparently an easy task, the old man seems to be struggling. He is defiant when the therapist at hand asks him to lift is arms higher.

Vinoj Varghese, an occupational therapist explains that such therapy is needed for people as they age so that they can perform routine tasks easily. “After a certain age, the muscles weaken and brain function is delayed, hence we need to teach them exercises that can help strength these muscles.”

To fine-tune their motor skills and sensory perception, the elderly are re-taught simple day-to-day activities such as opening locks, bolts and taps, counting money and using switches for at least 15 minutes, four days a week.

“In old age, nerve impulses are delayed. Also, sitting idle wastes the muscles,” says Varghese. “To avoid contraction and maintain muscle fibre, old people should be kept active else surgery may be required.”

Rehab services

Many of the elderly also need rehab services such as intensive therapy for strokes which is also done at the centre by specialists. “Being here is different because it does not give a hospital-like feeling,” adds Dr Suwaidi.

Among other services that the centre offers is reflexology and therapy to increase muscle strength. A podiatrist and a dietician are at hand to help while a Snoezle room has recently been opened to provide multi-sensory simulation.

At least 41 nurses are around to take care of all the needs of the old people. “Eighty per cent of the work load is taken care of by these nurses,” says Dr Suwaidi. Other staff includes four physiotherapy experts and one occupational therapist, a number of administrative and three social workers.

According to Dr Suwaidi, there is a need to expand the facility and services since there is a rise in the number of people who want to visit the centre as outpatients.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com