Punjab: Demand for caregivers is increasing

Punjab: Providing long-term care to patients suffering from cancer, paralysis, brain stroke and muscular dystrophy is becoming a challenge for families, especially when most of the members are working. Not everyone can afford to keep a trained nurse round the clock at home due to the high charges. Also, given the complexities involved in handling various medical conditions, hiring an untrained person is not advisable. To meet such needs, the middle-way option is now becoming popular in cities like Jalandhar, where the elderly population is relatively high due to the youth moving abroad. Several agencies have come up, claiming to provide services to young people trained in caring for patients. About a decade ago, nanny courses became popular, as those holding such certifications had a higher chance of getting work visas abroad. Today, many individuals from the same group are finding employment closer to home, earning Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, depending on their skills. Ruchi S Gaur, who holds a doctorate in science communication, has started an NGO that imparts free training to young people in Jalandhar and nearby areas, preparing them to meet the care needs of patients. “My NGO, Amrit Caregivers, has been imparting free training to young people. I started this initiative about four years ago. So far, I have trained about 600 young people and most of them have found employment. I train them to provide first aid in case of cuts and burns, handle BP equipment, use glucometers and maintain daily medical charts as advised by doctors. They are taught postpartum care, handling a newborn, preparing and feeding patients, managing fractures, basic physiotherapy and geriatric care. My last class is usually on CPR skills,” she said. Dr Gaur said, “I am from Rajasthan and came to Jalandhar after marriage. The first thing I noticed was the high number of cancer cases and lack of proper home care for patients.

The main reason for this is that Jalandhar is an NRI belt and many young people have left their old parents and moved abroad. Such patients often experience mental trauma and lack of willpower. Good patient care, regular health monitoring, proper home-cooked food and constant emotional support can make a huge difference.” She clarified, “I do not run any agency of my own or provide manpower. I just train young people who are then immediately hired by various agencies.” Patient care agencies in Jalandhar are not only providing trained caregivers but also renting out equipment like ICU care facilities, ventilators, ambulances and physiotherapy services. “We get requests for caregivers for accident victims, cancer patients, persons suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and those who need care after surgery. After being discharged, patients often do not find anyone at home who can take over a job or take a long leave, especially in terminal cases. That’s when they approach us,” said Vicky, owner of one such agency. “The demand is constantly increasing.”