Connect with us

Business

Elder abuse is real: How are we mitigating the risks?

Published

on

Medical conditions are inevitable once the human body begins to age. They arrive with their complexities which can affect our elders physically and emotionally. However, we can support our loved ones with the arising conditions by ensuring they are taken care of with dignity and love. At English Nursing Care, eldercare is redefined with compassion and reliability towards caregiving where nurses are trained to support clients with comfort and security.

The problem

A study conducted by the World Health Organisation, taking evidence from 52 studies in 28 diverse countries, indicates that 15.7% individuals i.e. one in six individuals, aged 60 years and above, have been subject to some form for physical, psychological, financial or sexual abuse over the past year. This is inclusive of neglect by their own family members.

Sri Lanka at high risk

According to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) of Sri Lanka, the global economy expects a rise in aging population – from 814 million people in 2013 to more than 2 billion in 2050 – with Sri Lanka having one of the fastest aging demographics (1 in 4 persons will be over 65 years by 2041). This makes elder abuse a rising risk on senior citizens in Sri Lanka.

Research from the North Colombo Teaching Hospital records 38.5% out-patients at risk of abuse. Survey taken by elders highlight 45% reporting verbal abuse and neglect. Whilst 5.6% report physical abuse. However, a substantial number of elders refrain from reporting such misconduct due to fear, shame or mental illnesses.

Why elder abuse?

In most cases, it is cultural for children in Asia to continue living with their parents. The increasing pace of life simultaneously increases stress which caregivers tend to release on elders. This is vile and unacceptable. Enrolling parents to elder’s homes or employing staff to take care of them is the most sought solution. However, WHO recognises that homes and staff perpetrated 64.2% of the abuse. Insufficient care, depriving them of dignity, incorrect medication are common.

Recent events of the sorrowful and mysterious demise of 78 – year – old, Miss Ceylon 1962 – Jennifer Ingleton, is exemplar of such misconduct. Jennifer, who fell ill with age and was under the care of unknown forces; as her relatives were abroad. According to Jennifer’s half -brother, these forces prevented friends and family to communicate with her and were left unaware regarding her health and well-being. A close friend reported, upon one of her visits to see Jennifer in her ill-state, these individuals would suspiciously evade her from asking too many questions regarding her medical procedures or requesting a doctor to check-up on her progress. Therefore, recognition and reconciliation by choosing the right care practises and institutions for your elders is key.

How is English Nursing Care different?

Old age requires engaging and comprehensive care. English Nursing Care understands the significance of this responsibility. Thus, ‘Care plans’ are created where caregivers are trained to deliver personalised support, by nurses bringing over 30 years of experience from the UK, to take care of your loved one in the comfort of their home. Thorough knowledge on medical history, current medication dosage and emergencies is pivotal. Staff update family on the progress of the client every week or as requested. Nurses at English Nursing Care are trained to inculcate the latest methodologies in their practise with focus on delivering quality care with empathy. A review process is held every month to warrant the service given to your loved ones.

With neglect and abuse arrives the unfortunate consequences of dejection, anxiety and hopelessness. Encompassing a jovial and optimistic care system for elders at this phase is vital to live a healthy life. Care staff play a crucial role in fostering so. English Nursing Care is an advocate of celebrating life and takes pride in the holistic service they offer with guaranteed peace of mind for the elderly client as well as family often living far away.



Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

on

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Continue Reading

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

on

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Continue Reading

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

on

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

Continue Reading

Trending