Wednesday 31 January 2024

LOIS GRANT SAYS, CRISIS IN ELDERLY MENTAL HEALTH - URGENT NEED FOR SOCIETAL AWARENESS AND ACTION!

CONTINUING MY ADVOCACY FOR THE ELDERLY...This story was posted 2 years ago. It's been upgraded and shortened but still very relevant. Nothing has changed. Jamaica does not care for its elderly and ageing:

Dealing with the mentally ill, particularly the elderly, requires urgent attention and decisive action. Observing a friend's deteriorating mental health due to dementia, it's evident that individuals with once active and brilliant minds, such as teachers, lawyers, and doctors, are particularly vulnerable. Despite this, the affected person may resist acknowledging their condition.

From a recent experience, and as a concerned neighbour, I  stepped in, offering assistance while the family deliberated on the next steps, considering options like hiring a caregiver or relocating to a care facility. 

However, the person in question denied her declining health, exhibiting concerning behaviours like misplacing items, hallucinating, and expressing intentions to use public transport without a clear destination. There's a genuine fear of a tragic outcome, similar to previous cases where individuals with cognitive impairments went missing.

The church, a pillar of support in this person’s life, was consulted to assist in decision-making, highlighting the lack of a comprehensive societal approach to address ageing-related mental health issues. The family's indecision raises concerns about potential harm to the elderly person and the community. In cases like these immediate action is essential to prevent accidents like kitchen fires or criminal incidents due to his/her vulnerability.

The prevailing challenge lies in society's limited understanding of mental illness, especially in the elderly. Despite visible signs, reluctance to acknowledge the issue persists, contributing to delayed interventions. Existing government policies seem inadequate, with a lack of trained professionals to handle the complexities of dementia and Alzheimer's cases.

The urgency of the situation demands a shift in societal mindset, recognizing that individuals with cognitive impairments may not have the capacity to make decisions about their care. Relying on untrained individuals in government agencies to manage such cases is insufficient. There's a need for comprehensive training programmes to equip professionals to handle the unique challenges of elderly individuals with mental health issues.

The prevailing stigma surrounding mental illness further complicates matters, with individuals and families hesitant to admit when a loved one is struggling. This attitude is detrimental, especially considering these individuals' valuable contributions to society in their prime.

 It is crucial to foster a supportive environment that prioritises the dignity and well-being of the elderly, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.

Seniors keeping fit.

Click to watch this video of elderly citizens who were taken out to have fun.

Writer, Lois Grant


Lois Grant
Lois Grant - JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a distinguished communications professional with a legacy of groundbreaking achievements. From her early days at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) to leading the Public Relations unit at Grimax Advertising. She co-founded Innercity Promotions, celebrated for pioneering live dance hall concerts. In the '90s, Grant established her agency, Corporate Image Communications and Productions, creating innovative events for brands like Tastee Limited, COK Credit Union, and the Jamaica National Building Society. Her impact extends to shaping the political landscape of three Caribbean islands., Jamaica included. She was a former Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica (2007-2013). Grant continues to contribute as a consultant working for prestigious entities such as the US Network, NBC Sports and more recently as a travel influencer.

Editor Note:
This blog will be sent to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and other relevant persons.
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MORE GIVEAWAYS FROM BARK DI TRUTE

WIN TICKETS TO HAVE LUNCH ON

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1200 - 1300 HOURS

9A CHELSEA AVENUE, NEW KINGSTON, JAMAICA.

DEADLINE  FOR ENTERING IS  FEBRUARY 5


It's Just a Click

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Job Available

A caregiver from 50 to 60 years old with caregiving experience and willing to reside with the client is needed to work in Kingston. Interested persons should be able to prepare healthy meals for an elderly person and be highly recommended by past employers.

Click HERE and fill out the online form for yourself or for someone else.

You can also send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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Violet Edwards Scholarship

If you are having financial challenges and you are unable to finish your degree at the UWI; you want to enter the UWI, but you cannot afford it; you had to drop out of school due to family commitments; you feel that you are too old to go back to UWI, then CLICK HERE and submit your information so that we can tell you more about the Violet Edwards scholarship.



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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a rrally worrying problem and urgent govermrnt attention is long overdue! Too many pencil pushers doing nothing positive or creative! Ah suh jah kingdom run to waste!

Anonymous said...

Great article from Lois, wonderful work by Vernon. Yes i love the give aways!!

Anonymous said...

Stay away from processed foods with artificial/ chemical preservatives. Eat natural unprocessed foods as much as possible. Use coconut oil as often as possible. If an elderly family member or acquaintance is showing signs of mental decline, encourage them to take a tablespoon of coconut oil daily and if CBD oil is available, take it as well!
As a young man I don't recall anyone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's and cancer was a rarity. These are lifestyle diseases that can be prevented and even reversed with the correct nutritional approach.

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