THE STATUS OF NURSING HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TURKEY FROM PAST TO PRESENT AND AN INSTITUTION SURVIVING OVER A CENTURY “DARÜLACEZE”

Abstract

THE STATUS OF NURSING HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TURKEY FROM PAST TO PRESENTAND AN INSTITUTION SURVIVING OVER A CENTURY “DARÜLACEZE”Kırdı Z, Evciman A, Özgülnar, N, Ören M Population aging is one of the most important demographic phenomena emerging in 21st century. It is obviously observed that people live longer, birth rates decrease and hence the elderly populations grow by numbers and percentages. Particularly, since the second half of 20th century, elderly populations have shown remarkable growth. Under these circumstances, in Turkey, it is estimated that the percentage of population of individuals aged 65 or older, which is now claimed as 7,6% in 2013, will approximately be 17,6% in 2050. Additionally, we know that only 7 in 10 individuals aged 65 or older either share same house with their children or live in the same neighbourhood with them. Due to the fact that the status and function of the elderly have changed in communities and families in time, a growing need for nursing homes has become inevitable. The total number of “Nursing Homes and Care And Rehabilitation Centers for the Elderly” offering official or private service are 295 and total bed space is 24 296. In each era of history, the existence of ancient institutions has clued elderly care in Turkish community. The first Turkish institution for elderly care was established during the era of Seljuks in 11th century, then, The Red Crescent Society and “Darülaceze” were established in 1868 and 1895 respectively during the era of Ottoman Empire. The aim of this historical institution “Darülaceze” is to provide a comfortable accomodation for poor people and save them from desperation without regard to their race, religion or ethnicity. Key words: Nursing home, elderly, darulaceze