Children often abandon their elderly parents with dementia on the road. But, they don't know that after throwing them on the road, their mother or father could die in the next two-four days. This is what Dr GP Bhagat, Founder, SHEOWS told the OMH Hyper Local team while highlighting the struggles of dementia patients in India. “How long can a 70-80-year-old person with dementia survive on the roads in the brutal weather of Delhi?” asked Dr Bhagat.
He added, “Out of those who survive, many get paralysed or suffer the most tragic health issues.” Such is the fate of many dementia patients in India, who either get abandoned by their families. or forget their way home and are left stranded to fend for themselves on the streets.
The Issue Of Abandonment And Wandering In Dementia Patients
Dementia is a serious issue that is eating our society from the inside. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia causes a decline in a person's cognitive abilities, like memory, thinking, and reasoning, which becomes severe enough to disrupt daily life. Dementia creeps into the mind, stealing the very things that make us who we are. It's not simply forgetfulness that comes with age. Dementia is a storm that muddles thinking, swallows names, and leaves behind a landscape of confusion.
According to the Fogarty International Centre, an estimated 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years have dementia. These figures are extremely worrying.
You will be surprised to know that in a city like Delhi, where there is bright metropolitan life on one side, the other side is plagued by a dire reality of abandonment and wandering. The Alzheimer’s Association states that six out of ten people with dementia will wander at least once in their life, set on a path that never leads them back home.
To understand this issue, the OMH Hyper Local team connected with an old age home called SHEOWS (the Saint Hardyal Educational and Orphans Welfare Society).
Dementia Seniors Rotting On The Streets Of Delhi
The halls of SHEOWS are painted with stories of abuse, neglect, and suffering, painting a chilling picture.
"Some dementia patients say my son left me," said Dr Bhagat, "Some claim that their servants left them on the road to die. This happens all the time. Sometimes they're even beaten before they're abandoned. Even at home, the elderly are harassed so much that they become despondent and leave. They're tortured, mistreated – it's horrific."
Dr Bhagat claimed that in most cases, their mental disability is a result of the abuse they suffered at home. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 47% of people with dementia have been victims of caregiver abuse and neglect.
The domino effect of the neglect becomes tragically clear. "Without proper care, they become paralysed, which causes falls, fractures – they end up bedridden. These poor souls can't move so they often end up soiling their clothes with feces and urine,” said Dr Bhagat.
“When our team goes to rescue them, almost 75% of the senior citizens are found with rotting limbs from lying in filth and maggots feasting on the wounds. The smell is unbearable,” he grimly continued, “When we deworm their limbs, all that is left behind are bones and nerves as the maggots have eaten away their flesh.”
Focussing further on the medical aspect of the crisis, Dr Bhagat said, "Their haemoglobin levels are critically low, with numbers like 3.4, 2.9... barely clinging to life, yet somehow surviving. Such is God’s grace."
Also Read: The Dangers of Loneliness: Study Suggests It Can Increase The Risk of Dementia
SHEOWS: A Beacon Of Hope For Abandoned Dementia Patients
For over 30 years, SHEOWS has been a beacon of hope for forgotten elders in Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to providing a haven for abandoned, homeless, and underprivileged seniors, many of whom suffer from dementia.
With the philosophy of "Vasudeva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), SHEOWS aims to raise awareness about elder care and combat the tragic issue of elder abuse.
“We have only one purpose. In Delhi NCR at least no elderly person should die of hunger, thirst or disease. We also have rescue vans that pick up dementia patients from the road and bring them to our Ashram,” said Dr Bhagat.
“As long as our residents are alive, we serve them fully. From their medical care to food, clothes, daily hygiene, everything. And after they die, we perform their last rites according to their religion,” he added.
Challenges Faced By Dementia Caregivers
While visiting the SHEOWS centre at F/A-19, Abul Fazal Enclave, Okhla, New Delhi, the OMH Hyper Local team also spoke to the staff that has been appointed to look after the day-to-day needs of their residents and the centre’s functioning.
When asked about the challenges they face in taking care of elderly dementia patients, Deepak, Caregiver, SHEOWS said, “There are a lot of challenges. They often relieve themselves in their pants so we have to change their clothes, clean them up, bathe them, and take them to the toilet. have to change in the washroom. We have to help them with everything, like brushing their teeth, encourage them to roam around the ashram, and remind them to drink water timely.”
“Some people get angry also without cause. Sometimes they aggressively shove aside the food or tea being given to them. However, we understand that it is the dementia making them do this. So we deal with them lovingly,” shared Lakhmi, Caregiver, SHEOWS.
Praveen, Physiotherapist, SHEOWS, relayed,” The patients find it difficult to explain or express themselves, which can be frustrating for anyone. So we have to diagnose ourselves what problems they are facing.”
“Dementia patients have forgotten who they are. It becomes very difficult to understand them. Looking at their symptoms we try to provide care accordingly,” expressed Banke Lal Gupta, Caregiver, Special Care Unit, SHEOWS. He underscored, “The thing with dementia is that you can not be impatient or forceful with the patients. You have to treat them with love and respect. If you talk to them with love and not anger, they cooperate much more quickly. After all, dementia is a disease and, unfortunately, there is no cure for it.”
Beyond these day-to-day challenges faced by the caregivers at SHEOWS, the organisation is struggling with many financial handicaps. Dr Bhagat lamented that dementia is such a disease that its patients require a round-the-clock nursing staff. “We have around 600 residents in total in all our centres. We need at least 10 nursing staff, and doctors at least three times a day, but we can't afford it. Our organisation is entirely dependent on donations,” he said.
An Appeal To The Youth
The plight of the abandoned elderly and disabled residents of SHEOWS is a stark reminder of the importance of compassion and care for our most vulnerable populations.
Appealing to the youth, Dr Bhagat said. “Our parents raise us despite every challenge we throw their way. When they need that same support back, children talk back to them and neglect them. What a misfortune! Our elderly deserve love, not dismissal. They helped the family, the society, the country. Today, they need you.”
He said, “Our culture emphasises the importance of honouring our mothers and fathers. Even if you can't offer them everything, a few kind words can make a big difference.”
Also Read: 10 Best Practises for Dementia Patients That Caregivers Must Exercise
Dr Bhagat concluded that words are powerful, especially for our elders. Disrespectful words can cause stress and tension. It's important to listen and explain things patiently. Don't shut them down right away. Acknowledge their concerns and say you'll consider their wishes. This loving approach can help avoid conflict. Their memories may fade, but your love can be their guiding light!
To report suspected elderly patients with dementia that have been abandoned on the streets, contact SHEOWS. Rescue Help Line Number - 8069128888