“Parents or elderly relatives have become an extra strain in this pandemic so although it goes against our culture, many people are finding old people’s homes as the only option,” Gavi said. Zimbabwe’s care homes have experienced a 60 percent increase in admissions since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in March 2020, and most of the country’s more than 170 facilities for older people are full, she said. “When they are forced into old people’s homes, many go into depression, into dementia … they are confused that their children or relatives have abandoned them,” said Daniel Francis, the administrator at Melfort Old People’s home. The care homes that don’t charge their residents, and are funded by charities and churches, are under strain. Despite the disappointment of not being with family, Bhatare at the Melfort Old People’s home is adjusting to his new reality.

Source: Egypt Independent September 15, 2021 12:11 UTC