Senior couple's well-being at risk when one partner suffers injury
As Singapore's population ages, more elderly individuals rely solely on their spouse for support. Two lives can be upended when one partner sustains an injury.
In Singapore, where the population is aging rapidly, the situation for elderly couples facing injury is critical. According to a commentary published by Duke-NUS Medical School, many older Singaporeans have only their spouse for support, and the injury of one individual can cause their entire life to collapse.
A study reveals that nearly 42% of spousal caregivers receive no support from other family members and carry a higher-than-average burden of chronic diseases. When one spouse is injured, for instance, due to a fall, the caregiving responsibility suddenly increases, often without adequate training or support. This further burdens the already elderly and potentially ill spouse, also increasing their risk of injury.
Falls are a significant health threat to seniors, being the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations. The injuries can be severe, such as hip fractures or brain trauma. However, a single incident can trigger a chain reaction leading to fear, anxiety, and social isolation for both the injured and the caring spouse.
While Singapore has programs primarily focused on promoting physical activity and home safety, these may not be sufficient to support couples where one partner suddenly becomes incapacitated. Short-term assistance is needed after falls, along with help for home-based rehabilitation. Supporting caregivers is paramount to preventing a second accident and preserving the couple's dignity and independence.
Singapore's low birth rate means that an increasing number of seniors will rely on a limited or non-existent family network in the future. According to Duke-NUS, society, policies, and communities must work together to ensure that when one falls, the other does not fall next.