Care for Older People in Indonesia (English)

Summary

A team of researchers from Indonesia and the UK explored the care arrangements for older people in Indonesia between 2020 and 2023. They examined the role of various actors in caregiving networks and recommended improvements for sustainable care. The study highlighted the diverse living conditions across regions, with urban areas facing overcrowding and poor sanitation, while rural areas saw more family-based care. Despite challenges, most older Indonesians remain active, but some require assistance. The research emphasizes the importance of community involvement, emotional support, and healthcare access to improve elder care and ensure dignity and wellbeing in later life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia's older population is highly diverse, with varying needs influenced by their region of residence, such as urban versus rural environments.
• 😀 In urban areas like Jakarta, older people face challenges such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of green spaces, which affect their well-being.
• 😀 In rural areas like Yogyakarta and East Java, older individuals often live with or near family members and remain active through agriculture.
• 😀 In Sumatran Highland villages, matrilineal family structures allow older individuals to remain active, though outmigration of younger generations can create care challenges.
• 😀 On the island of Alor, older people often find themselves in charge of grandchildren, as agriculture and fishing are key livelihoods, and outmigration is common.
• 😀 While most older Indonesians stay active through work, volunteering, or caring for family members, some still require assistance with daily activities or are entirely dependent.
• 😀 Families in Indonesia are primarily responsible for caring for older people, but caregiving can become overwhelming for families with limited resources or support.
• 😀 Many older Indonesians don't seek medical help due to barriers such as transportation difficulties or financial concerns, which complicates caregiving efforts.
• 😀 Health care volunteers, known as 'kader,' play a vital role in supporting older individuals and caregivers by providing health checks, preventive messages, and referrals to health centers.
• 😀 Government assistance, such as cash aid and subsidies, plays a crucial role in supporting older people, but informal caregivers also need emotional, moral, and informational support to manage caregiving responsibilities.
• 😀 A collaborative approach to caregiving, involving family, neighbors, healthcare providers, and community organizations, leads to more sustainable and higher-quality care for older people.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the research conducted by the team of researchers from Indonesia and the UK?

The main objective was to study how older people in Indonesia are cared for, examining various care arrangements, understanding the roles of different actors in care networks, and developing recommendations for improving the quality and sustainability of care.

How does the living situation of older people vary between urban and rural areas in Indonesia?

In urban areas like Jakarta, older people face challenges such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of green spaces. In rural areas, such as Yogyakarta and East Java, many older individuals live with or near family members and remain active through agricultural work, though migration of younger generations can create care challenges.

What are the primary sources of livelihood for older people in rural communities such as those on the island of Alor?

In rural communities like Alor, agriculture and fishing are the main sources of livelihood. Families are typically patrilineal, and outmigration is common, which can leave older people in charge of caring for grandchildren.

What role do family members play in the care of older people in Indonesia?

Family members are primarily responsible for the care of older individuals. Many older Indonesians remain active through work, volunteering, or caregiving for other family members, but when care needs are long-term or complex, families may struggle to provide adequate care.

What challenges do families face when older people require long-term or complex care?

Families often struggle to provide care when it becomes long-term or complex, especially if only one or two individuals are available to provide caregiving. This can lead to overwhelming physical and emotional burdens on caregivers.

How do informal caregivers manage the financial costs of caregiving in Indonesia?

Many informal caregivers struggle with the costs of caregiving, such as purchasing essential items like diapers. They may receive monetary support from family members but still face financial hardships and often have to rely on their own limited resources.

What is the role of healthcare volunteers (kader) in supporting older people in Indonesia?

Healthcare volunteers, known as kader, play a crucial role by providing regular health checks, preventive health messages, and referrals to health centers. They also conduct home visits for older individuals who are housebound, helping to address health needs in the community.

What barriers prevent many older Indonesians from seeking medical attention?

Common barriers to seeking medical attention include transportation difficulties, the high cost of healthcare, and the physical limitations of older people, which make it difficult for them to travel to health centers.

How do government support programs help older individuals in Indonesia?

Government support programs, such as cash assistance (BPNT) and food aid, provide financial help to older individuals. These programs are crucial in improving the quality of life for older Indonesians, particularly those without strong family support.

What recommendations were made regarding caregiving for older people in Indonesia?

The research recommends that caregiving should be a shared responsibility, involving family, neighbors, healthcare workers, and the government. It emphasizes the importance of moral, emotional, and spiritual support for caregivers, as well as providing access to healthcare services and social welfare programs.