The predicted rise in Scotland’s ageing population means more pressure on our social care sector and higher demand for those on the frontline – such as social workers, care home managers, care assistants, and care co-ordinators – as seen by the number of positions on s1jobs.
But if our elderly lived in China or Belgium, would it be any different?
Let’s take a trip around the globe and find out what caring for the older generations looks like.
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China
Obligation and honour is instilled in the culture and when it doesn’t happen elderly parents in some provinces can even sue their grown children for emotional and financial support.
Reliance on family is still big in China with many generations living in one home is common place and companies allowing time off for elderly care responsibilities.
Germany
Community apartments where groups of seniors live together – think Friends with zimmer frames – is a popular choice in Germany.
There’s also support in multi-generational centres where the elderly mix with kindergarten youngsters, interacting through singing, playing and reading stories.
Japan
Japan has long been known for its respect for its seniors and there’s a powerful sense of obligation to care for them. But it also has the oldest population in the world and there’s been a shift towards caring becoming more of a social concern than families’ sole responsibility.
Long-term care insurance and community-based facilities means Japanese seniors might find themselves being looked after by robots or using Tai Chi and origami to combat loneliness.
Belgium
A publicly-funded care system – bolstered by informal family support – aims to keep senior Belgians in their own homes as long as possible.
Service flats where the elderly have their own space, but home help and cooked meals are on standby, are popular.
There is even so-called ‘kangaroo care’ where older people co-habit with immigrant families, providing mutually beneficial support.
Vietnam
The phrase ‘respect your elderly’ is best exemplified in Vietnam where seniors are considered head of the family. The elderly live with their families for support and care, in return contributing to the household by preparing meals and keeping an eye on the grandkids.
The Netherlands
One nursing facility in The Netherlands is taking a revolutionary approach to caring for adults with dementia by offering a gated village, complete with specially-adapted houses, supermarket, cinema and restaurant for its residents.
It means they have the freedom to go about their daily business in a safe and secure environment.
If the wide world of caring appeals to you, check out the latest Social Services/Housing roles on s1jobs.