The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Pope Francis established this day in 2021 to remind everyone of the fundamental role that grandparents and the elderly play in the life of families and communities. The initiative aims to strengthen intergenerational ties and combat social isolation by promoting a culture of encounter and mutual support.
The indulgence, one way in which the Church draws close to elderly people
Pope Francis granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who participate in Masses dedicated to this occasion or visit elderly people who live alone.
The decree published by the Apostolic Penitentiary states that the indulgence is granted “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer according to the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) to grandparents, the elderly, and all the faithful who, motivated by the true spirit of penance and charity, participate in the various celebrations held throughout the world.”
Moreover, to emphasize that visiting is an opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness, it will also be possible to obtain the indulgence by visiting elderly people who live alone in one’s neighborhood or those residing in care facilities.
On the front line
The loneliness of the elderly is often due to temporary circumstances, family crises, and the migration of children, but also to an increasingly individualistic mindset that causes elderly people to be perceived as a burden and as disposable. Pope Francis emphasizes that this perception is mistaken and urges families and parishes to be on the front line in promoting an environment that is welcoming and supportive of the elderly.
The theme of the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, “Do not forsake me in my old age,” draws attention to the loneliness and abandonment experienced by many elderly people. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support our elderly, especially when circumstances make it difficult to provide full-time direct care.
What to do if you work and cannot care for older adults
Having help within the family when dealing with older people is a godsend. Commitments, work, family, and daily duties often put the well-being of both the older person and their caregiver under considerable strain. Caring for a loved one is difficult, especially when illnesses require 24-hour care. To support these families, who need a helping hand during the day, day centers are available, along with various strategies and resources that can help:
Home care services:
Some agencies, foundations, cooperatives, or other public and private organizations offer home care services with specialized staff (caregivers, social and health care workers, etc.) to help older adults carry out daily tasks, such as cleaning the house, personal hygiene, preparing meals, and managing medications.
These services allow older adults to remain in their homes while receiving care according to each person's needs, while also lightening the family's burden of responsibilities. In this sense, caring for an older person means helping the whole family.
Day centers for older adults:
Day centers, serving an intermediate function between home care and residential facilities, provide concrete support to the family. During the day, older adults are placed in a safe and stimulating environment, where they participate in recreational activities, receive basic medical care, and interact with their peers.
A day center can be a good solution for working families who want to protect the health and well-being of an older person and help them remain at home.
Assistive technology:
Devices such as medical alert systems, security cameras, and motion/fall sensors can monitor older adults' safety when you are not physically present.
Video calling applications and other communication technologies can help maintain regular contact and provide emotional support.
Community support and volunteering:
Community organizations and religious groups often provide volunteers who can make home visits, offer companionship, and provide practical assistance.
Involving the community can create a broader support network for older people.
Placing older people in care facilities
When older people are not self-sufficient and cannot receive care at home or in day-care centers, it is possible to turn to non-hospital social and healthcare facilities.
Taking older people to care facilities such as nursing homes, residential care facilities, or assisted living centers should not automatically be viewed as a form of abandonment, but as a way to continue living a life worth living when we are weak and vulnerable and can no longer manage on our own. Here are some considerations:
Quality of facilities:
The quality of the facility is essential. Well-managed facilities offer a safe and stimulating environment, with appropriate medical and social care.
It is important to visit facilities, speak with the staff, and check reviews to ensure that the older person receives high-quality care.
Family involvement:
Even if an older person lives in a care facility, regular family involvement is essential. Frequent visits, phone calls, and participation in the facility’s activities can make a major difference to the older person’s emotional well-being.
Maintaining a strong and consistent connection helps older people feel loved and supported.
Informed choice:
In some cases, older people themselves may prefer to live in a facility where they can receive continuous care and access services that would not be available at home.
Respecting and involving older people in decisions can reduce their sense of abandonment and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
The 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly reminds us of the importance of not abandoning older people in old age, even when circumstances make it difficult to provide direct care. With the right resources and ongoing involvement, we can ensure that our older people feel loved and supported.
