The institutionalisation of the aged : the importance of visitation, and the role of the specialised visitor

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Ageing is a fact of life. It often gives rise to unfortunate consequences. Physical infirmities;senile dementia; emotional disturbance. Indeed, the effects of the ageing process can be such asto render a person incapable of performing the ordinary and normal functions of life. In such acase, institutionalisation presents itself as a prospect to enable an aged person to cope with theordinary day-to-day activities of living.The purpose of institutionalisation is to improve the quality of life of the elderly. In consideringthe process, a number of important facets need to be borne in mind. Firstly, the process must beseen in relation to the condition of the person being institutionalised. Secondly, the processmust be seen as a matter of extraordinary change in the life of the aged person. This implies adetailed explanation and full disclosure of the process envisaged, and, if needs be, appropriatecounselling of the person concerned. Thirdly, there must be sympathetic and sensitiveassistance given to the aged person in adapting to a new situation. Fourthly, a continuing andintimate interest in, and concern for, the aged person on the part of the family must beaccentuated and impressed.This gives rise to the importance of visitation on the part of the family. Its meaning and purposemust be understood. The need for meaningful visitation must be stressed, and the status of arespected member of the family must be emphasised. The aged person must never be cut-off,separated or neglected. Visits must not be a coincidental, haphazard and aimless occurrence.Visitation must always be directed at improving the quality of life of the aged person.The aged person, despite her advanced years and debilitated condition, remains a person withthoughts, feelings, emotions, difficulties and problems. She needs time and attention. Thenormal or regular pattern of visitation does not, by and large, accomplish these ends. Somethingmore is required. Specialised visitation. This is something different from ordinary, normal,social visitation. It is more intense, more concentrated and more regular. It embodies consistentand continuous contract. It is directed at effectiveness. It is never haphazard or aimless andalways has as its objective an improved quality of life for the aged. The specialised visitor andthe resident come to know each other well; they come to trust each other, and they come torealise that the object of the visit is more than an exchange of frivolities. Specialised visitation manifests a concern for the aged; it offers them support, stability,certainty and security. This is so because the specialised visitor responds to an inner conviction,an infinite calling, and an earnest urging. It is not a task but a vocation.Many factors contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life of the elderly : three may bementioned. Institutionalisation, visitation and the role undertaken by the specialised visitor.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University