Ayahs and their elderly clients: An empirical study in the context of Kolkata

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore in what wcrys the cryahs (paid caregivers N= 25) facilitate their elderly clients (N=25) to participate in social and creative activities and how the elderly clients perceive the role of cryahs as ’activity agents ’working through amiability and crisis. Observation method and in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 cryahs and 25 ill or handicapped elderly subjects living in Kolkata (West Bengal) from February to March 2021 and March to April 2022. The study's findings revealed that care intervention of the cryahs turns the ill elderly into active actors in society, facilitates their positive engagement, and enhances their quality of life, such as setting routines, pursuing creative endeavours, engaging in household activities, etc. Based on the findings, it might be suggested that policymakers should consider the role of cryahs as a social resource in the caregiving process of ill elderly persons. The policies should also consider adequate wages, healthcare facilities, and social welfare of the cryahs and their own families.