We repeatedly hear that our ageing population is one of the worse affected by the inequality in the health care provision. Through my engagement with the voluntary sector as a community psychotherapist and family therapist over 21 years, I meet a large number of first- and second-generation Greek-Cypriots who immigrated to this country for the prospect of a better life. They worked hard in different sectors and often in the dress making and hospitality industry, as we know, and raised their families under difficult circumstances having to face many challenges including language barrier, prejudice and discrimination. After all the years of their hard work, they are expected to find the care they deserve like any other member of the society on an equal basis. Yet, expressed discontent for that level of care has been continuously reported, which has been significantly hit in recent times by the global spread of the covid-19 pandemic, affecting us all in a way that we had not imagined and most certainly were not prepared.
During lockdown and restriction periods, our elderly people find themselves isolated and more vulnerable without the much-needed help and the access to the already limited options of social life such as their drop-in centres or social clubs where the familiar group interaction and community spirit were experienced as strengthening their morale and positive frame of mind. Many with debilitating long-term physical and mental health conditions such as heart disease and dementia have to face more challenges that affect everyone in the family – the parents and grandparents from one hand who may worry and develop anxieties about their uncertain circumstances; and their children and grandchildren on the other, who feel the pressure of not being able to be there for them as they used to be previously, and/or the despair of having to be the only source of help for them. We can also certainly empathise with how much bleaker the picture can be for those single elderly people with no families to rely upon, who are faced with their increased states of loneliness. And whilst the world has found ways of adjusting rapidly, mostly via technological means to these enforced changes in our current lives, we cannot assume the same for our elderly members of our society who are more likely to be compelled to the exclusion of such alternatives.
That is why it is important for us to let them know that we are here for them. Whether it is within our roles in the community to provide the care they need in their own homes when their family members and relatives cannot be available; or via the telephone offering them some psychological support; or whilst keeping them company on the local radio with the nostalgic culturally familiar music and language, or with reading the community newspaper, we want them to know that we think of them and that we have not stopped caring. We want to reassure them that in following their footsteps our shared cultural values continue to guide us in showing the respect they deserve, as we would not expect any less when we shall find ourselves in their place in years to come!
Antony Sigalas
Psychotherapist for the Alpha Care Counselling Services
Tel: 020 8373 6287
