Problematics of caring in a spiritual gerontopolis: A study of old age homes in varanasi (Kashi)

ABSTRACT

Among Hindus, Varanasi is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, who frees the devotees from the bonds of past karma to ensure them moksha–release from the endless cycle of birth and death. This belief has attracted many elders, from time immemorial, to take shelter in various old age homes, wanting to die in this sacred city. Those attending these elders face challenges in balancing between modern practices of eldercare and traditional attitudes of the residents regarding disengagement from body, family, and society which are requisites for moksha. The paper concludes by questioning the relevance and applicability of globally accepted care principles for older adults in the spiritual city of Varanasi.

KEYWORDS:

• Institutional care
• culturally congruent care
• spiritual care
• care challenges

Acknowledgments

We thank all the managers of select old age homes for allowing the researcher for data collection. We would also like to show our gratitude to the carers for their time and patience to be the active respondents of the study. Without their cooperation, the study would not have been possible.

Conflict of Interest Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors

Additional information

Funding

This research was partially supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, under SandHI (Science-Heritage Initiative) project of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. This support is gratefully acknowledged.