THE concept of leaving parents or elderly family members in old-age homes is not the norm in Pakistan. However, for many citizens settled abroad who for various reasons cannot take their parents with them, old homes are an option.

There are many outfits operating as nursing homes in Karachi. However, one should do a lot of background checks before admitting a family member to these homes.

Many of these hospices popularly called nursing homes have deceptive facades. The caretakers are known to treat the elderly with disrespect and deal with them in a careless manner, sometimes even using foul language.

The caretakers mistreat the old, frail people as they are certain they will face no consequences as the family of the elderly lives abroad and visits once a year if at all.

Certain situations were brought to light in which an old-home resident intended to lodge a complaint but decided not to do so when they were threatened. The staff and management of these homes are aware that many of these elderly people have no friends or family members living in Pakistan.

It is distressing to see the conditions in which the elderly live in some of these nursing homes. It is important that these senior citizens pass their last days in peace. Lawmakers should legislate to ensure that old homes follow a stringent code of conduct in caring for the elderly.

Javaid Shaikh
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2019