Pathways to Institutional Elder Care in Bangladesh: A Phenomenological Study of Causes and Lived Experiences in Kushtia District.

Abstract

Bangladesh is undergoing a demographic shift marked by a rapidly growing elderly population and a weakening of traditional family-based support systems. This paper examines the crucial components that lead to institutionalization of older adults as well as their psychosocial and emotional life in a government-administered institutional care home for the elderly in Kushtia, Bangladesh. Following a qualitative phenomenological design, 20 elderly residents, aged 60 and more, living in the same institution not less than six months, were interviewed using an in-depth interview method. Thematic analysis showed that family negligence, financial issues and unavailability of necessary assistance, persistent medical problems and lack of caregivers were the key factors that led to their placement into the institutional care. The participants indicated that they felt abandoned, emotional, and uprooted in social isolation, even though they appreciated that the institution was protecting and sustaining them in their most basic needs. They talked about a profound emotional desire to belong to their families, and identity that had been lost with the transition. Although the physical needs were met within the institution, the expectations of the elderly residents in terms of emotional and relational needs were not always satisfied. These findings demonstrate the multidimensional interaction between social, economic, health and demographical issues that are linked to the institutionalization of the elderly in Bangladesh. The paper shows the importance of more robust policies on elder care, such as more robust legislation, supplementary social systems, neighborhood geriatric services, and better emotional support provided in care centers. These initiatives are crucial to guarantee respect, centenarian welfare, and a sense of permanency among the aging in the country.