Psychological Distress and Care-needs of the Elderly Living in Old-age Homes in Bangladesh

Introduction: Over ۷% of the total population is ۶۰+ years out of about ۱۷۱ million populations in Bangladesh and ۹۲,۰۰۰ elderlies are added to aging population every year. A good proportion of elderlies are living in old-age home and many of them are suffering from psychological distress as reported in media. It is important to know status of psychosocial care-needs of elderly in order to improve old-age home-based care and services. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the psychosocial care seeking behavior and needs of the elderly population in old-age homes. Methods: In late ۲۰۲۲, a three-month long cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly living in old-age homes. A total of ۵۷ male and female were interviewed with a structured questionnaire in four old-age homes in and around Dhaka city. Using mixed method, data were collected to identify care seeking behavior and psychosocial-care needs along-with socio-demographic information. Results: Average age of respondents was ۷۳.۴ yrs, ۶۴% of them were male, and ۹۴% respondents have any form of disease or disabilities. About ۱۴% respondents were having cognitive impairment, where decline in memory was the common feature. Nearly ۳۳% ware suffering from depression, prevalence was higher in female. Majority of respondents feel that old-age homes are not capable enough to provide health and related services and almost all respondents had concerns regarding the behavior of the staff and quality of service in homes. Conclusion: Elderly populations are subject to higher morbidity, disability and psychological distress. The current study findings provide insiders’ views and highlight the importance of psychosocial care and services to handle such challenges and to address their needs at old-age home. Study results will help in future program designing and intervention for elderly ailment, medical and psychological support for improving the quality of life of elderly population.