It is often used as an alternative to avoid loneliness in the elderly, although, in many other cases, the reason is that there is no other possible option. A part of the elderly in Spain changes their address from one to several times a year. This means that they rotate in different homes, for example, among their children or other relatives. A phenomenon that is especially frequent in the summer season and is known as the “grandfather swallow”.
Although at first it may seem like a good idea, since it guarantees that these elderly people have company and attention, the truth is that it is a practice with several negative points. This is often the result of the older person’s family feeling that the older person cannot fend for themselves and that it is not a good idea for them to live alone. When residence or other alternatives are not acceptable, for various reasons —very often financial—, it is decided that their destiny is to live with the family in turns. But this instability will detrimentally affect your health.
One of the main damages of this practice for the elderly is the nomadic lifestyle to which they are condemned. Not having a specific residence supposes a strong instability that can give rise to stress and even anxiety. Every time you move to a new house, the family nucleus of the same has to change their lifestyle and adapt. A situation that causes tensions and possible problems during coexistence.
This coming and going means that the elderly person must constantly change their environment and return to a new environment. Just as he will have to deal with other social relationships and friendships, with changes in routines and forms of organization, different doctors and professionals who care for his health. Like factors such as the climate of the place.
Another factor to take into account is that not all people are trained or prepared to offer an elderly person the care and attention they need. Something that should be kept in mind especially in cases of elderly people who present certain pathologies or physical and mobility problems. This is equally relevant when it comes to the equipment and characteristics of each house to meet the needs of the elderly. For example, the presence of a bathtub instead of a shower, among others.
All these changes and alterations in their routines cause a sensation of uprooting and constant stress, which will not allow these swallow grandparents to enjoy stability and tranquility that are beneficial to their health.
