This article features psychologist Mária Kopčíková discussing the challenges of caring for elderly parents at home and the lack of support provided to caregivers.
In an interview with psychologist Mária Kopčíková, she reflects on her decision to care for her 90-year-old mother at home, expressing her concerns stemming from her father's experience in a care facility. Kopčíková reveals the challenges of navigating the caregiving system, noting the lack of adequate information and support available to families. She cites her reliance on community advice, such as obtaining crucial funding information from a neighbor, highlighting the insufficiencies of formal resources like offices and charitable organizations, which often leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and left to fend for themselves.
Kopčíková also discusses the moral dilemmas faced by families in similar situations, emphasizing the pressure of societal expectations around caregiving. She underscores the difficulty in admitting when a family cannot manage the care of an elderly member at home, noting that the moral imperative often complicates these decisions. Despite the societal push for at-home care, Kopčíková advocates for a compassionate understanding of families that struggle with this reality, stressing the importance of personal acceptance in making such significant life choices.
As a psychologist at the Kvapka Family Center and a member of the Academic Center for Autism Research, Kopčíková's insights shed light on the broader issues of elderly care in Slovakia. Her comments resonate with many caregivers, reflecting a shared experience of navigating a fragmented support system while grappling with personal and ethical challenges involved in caring for aging parents. This discussion is crucial in shaping policies and support systems for families dealing with similar circumstances in the future.
