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The second closure could lead to a wave of suicides and deaths among the elderly

According to CBS data, about 30% of the elderly population in Israel are destitute, and rely on caregivers as their only connection to the outside world. It is time for the state to understand the importance of personal contact and encourage their employment.

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• Elderly

• Corona virus

Doron Raz

Thursday, 03 September 2020, 10:30

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In the video - Prime Minister Netanyahu refers to the indices for ending the closure (Walla! NEWS system)

Recently there was a shocking incident: a 71-year-old man passed away helplessly and alone, and his body was found after more than a week by ZAKA volunteers, in a state of advanced decay. In Israel, it was supposed to open new editions, go up for an urgent debate in the Knesset or at least - reach the public discourse.

However, surprisingly - or not - the issue received almost no attention, in fact it went under the radar. Here is a man. The

continuation of the corona crisis, the end of which is not visible, affects us all. But most of all - it affects the elderly population and increases their loneliness and despair. No less cruel than the corona plague.

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The corona affects the elderly population and increases their loneliness and despair (Photo: Reuters)

According to the CBS, at the end of 2018, the population of senior citizens in Israel numbered 56,000 people, about 41% of them aged 75 and over. The corona virus cut them off from one of their relatives and the public, defining them as a high-risk population. and who out of necessity, are months at home and rarely go out.

some talked While on the phone with family, but this of course does not substitute for a physical with friends, a warm embrace beloved daughter, a family meal, kiss their grandchildren. the current situation affects the mental health of the elderly and predictable, so According to the professionals, the suicide attempts among them will increase significantly; the impact will be doubly severe among about 30% of them, who are defined as childless - without family or relatives

. As part of the Arrangements Law, which entered into force in November 2018, the then Ministers of Finance and Welfare decided that some of the hundreds of thousands of elderly people entitled under the Nursing Law and living at home could receive the nursing benefit (in whole or in part) in cash instead of "physical" nursing and care services provided by caregivers. And under the supervision of the social workers of Hess companies and associations

destiny.

More on Walla!

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Corona Crisis: A sharp jump in calls to mental health centers

To the full article

The therapists - an attentive ear and a balm for loneliness

With the outbreak of the corona, caregivers, who were defined as "vital workers" - at the end of a joint struggle by the Association of Nursing Service Providers and Social Security - became the almost unique connection of those elderly people with the outside world.

Apart from the daily physical care provided by the caregivers, which includes cooking, cleaning, bathing, purchasing medication and more, the caregivers also provide a listening ear and a balm for loneliness for the elderly - which of course has no price.

It has a positive effect indirectly in other places as well;

The connection between body and mind is well known, and the psychological assistance provided by caregivers to the nursing elderly prevents hospitalizations and reduces the burden on the hospitals, health systems and emergency rooms that collapse during this period.

Many of the elderly who chose money instead of treatment hours, on the other hand, found themselves locked up in their homes, cut off from the outside world, and without appropriate treatment assistance.

During this difficult period, they are left without physical care and mental response, and worse - without any supervision, control or any factor on behalf of the state that will check their well-being or condition.

Who helps them bathe?

Who buys food and medicine for them?

Who listens to their plight, to their stories?

Hence, the physical and mental consequences for those elderly, unfortunately, are clear.

"We'll get through this alone."

Neot Hasharon Nursing Center in Petah Tikva, April (Photo: Reuven Castro)

Dear decision makers, money cannot replace human beings.

At a Knesset at the beginning of April, the National Council warned of loss prevention, Prof. Gil Salzman, that he expects a wave of suicides among the elderly in light of the situation. The situation worsened considerably since then and uncertainties only increased, but nothing has been done by the state.

Suicide is not inevitable and predestined, and can be prevented in advance. the state must give an answer, and also - it is important that decision makers understand the value of personal care and humane for the elderly and the benefit that we as a country are benefiting.

There is no shame to reverse the situation; this time to reduce the allowance of mercury It is important that decision makers understand the value of personal and human care for the elderly and the benefit we as a state benefit from it. We as a state must give the elderly, who have done so much for us, the The care they need - and allow them the basic right to grow old with dignity in their home.

There is no substitute for a listening ear.

Independence Day at the Neot Hasharon Nursing Home, April (Photo: Reuven Castro)

In case a person around you is in crisis and may be suicidal, do not hesitate - encourage him to seek professional help and emphasize the importance of this application.

Try to help him contact community professionals or national support agencies such as ARN at 1201, or Sahar's website.

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