In Bangladesh, a quiet but profound change reshapes how we live and care for one another. As families grow smaller, young people chase opportunities in cities or abroad, and life expectancy rises, elderly loved ones start to get neglected.
Consider Rahim, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher, who resides alone in his modest apartment in Dhaka. His children have relocated abroad for employment opportunities, and his wife passed away a few years ago.
Now, Rahim finds it increasingly difficult to manage daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and adhering to his medication schedule. His children wish to support him, but they are thousands of miles away, balancing their own careers and families.
This scenario highlights the growing relevance of home care services in Bangladesh—a critical solution for an aging population facing shifting societal dynamics.
Why Home Care Matters in Bangladesh
The International Labour Organization (ILO) article highlights Bangladesh’s shifting demographics. In 2022, 9.29% of the population was aged 60 and above, up from 7.47% in 2011. That’s approximately 15 million elderly individuals, which is projected to reach 36 million by 2050.
By 2025, one in every ten citizens will be 60 or older; by 2050, it will be one in every five. It means that in just a few decades, 22% of our population—3.6 crore people—will be elderly (as projected by UNFPA in 2022).
At the same time, our traditional family structure—where grandparents, parents, and children live together—is breaking down. A 2023 study in Chandpur district found that 67.5% of families are now nuclear, and the average household size in rural areas has declined from 4.5 in 2011 to 4.1 in 2022. (source: Changing Family Structure in Rural Bangladesh).
Young people are moving to cities or abroad for work, leaving their ageing parents behind. This is creating a massive demand for home care services. But what exactly are home care services?
Simply put, they provide support to elderly people in their own homes. It includes help with daily tasks like bathing, cooking, cleaning, medical care, and companionship. For someone like Rahim, it’s a way to stay independent and comfortable in his own home, even when his family can’t be there.
The Challenges We Face
While the need for home care is clear, the system in Bangladesh is still in its early stages. Family members still provide most elderly care, but this is becoming harder as families get smaller and busier.
Many people rely on “Bua” or “Apa” (domestic helpers), but they often lack the training to handle complex medical needs or provide emotional support.
A few private organizations offer home care services, especially in cities like Dhaka, but they’re expensive and out of reach for most families. This leaves many older adults without the care they need.
For example, Rahim’s neighbor, Fatima, has diabetes and high blood pressure. Her daughter, who lives in Chittagong, worries constantly about her mother’s health but can’t afford professional care.
Why Home Care Is the Future
Despite the challenges, home care services have huge potential in Bangladesh. Here’s why:
- A Growing Elderly Population: By 2030, there will be 21.7 million people over 60 in Bangladesh. That’s a lot of people who will need care. Developing home care services isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessity.
- Changing Family Dynamics: With more young people moving away for work, families can’t always provide care for themselves. Home care services can fill this gap, giving families peace of mind and ensuring their loved ones are well-cared for.
- Economic Opportunities: The caregiving sector could create millions of jobs. The International Labour Organization (ILO) projects that Bangladesh could generate around 7 million new jobs in caregiving services by 2035, while global demand may exceed 300 million. Imagine if young people in Bangladesh could train as professional caregivers, earning a good income while helping others. It’s a win-win situation.
- Global Demand: Countries around the world are looking for trained caregivers. If we invest in training programs, Bangladesh could become a major supplier of caregivers to the international market, growing our economy and creating opportunities for our youth.
What Needs to Be Done?
To make home care services a reality for everyone, we need to address a few key issues:
- Affordability: Right now, home care services are too expensive for most families. The government’s monthly allowance for the elderly is Tk 600, but this is far from enough. We need to find ways to make home care more affordable through government subsidies, insurance schemes, or community-based programs.
- Training and Standards: Caregivers need proper training to provide high-quality care. Only 34.2% of hospitals meet the criteria for consistent essential surgical services, and there’s a severe shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. In a study conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), there are only 13 doctors, nurses, and midwives for every 10,000 people in Bangladesh, compared to the global median of 49 per 10,000. We also need regulations to ensure that home care agencies meet specific standards.
- Awareness and Acceptance: Many still feel that hiring a caregiver means neglecting their elderly family members. We must change this mindset and show that professional caregiving is about giving our elders the best possible support.
- Technology: Simple tools like mobile apps or remote monitoring systems can make a big difference. For example, a caregiver could use an app to track Rahim’s medications or alert his family if there’s a problem.
A Personal Touch
Let’s go back to Mr. Rahim. With the help of a healthcare provider like Ayat Care, he now has a caregiver who visits him three times a week. She helps him with daily tasks, reminds him to take his medications, and even spends time having a conversation.
Rahim’s children feel relieved knowing their father is in good hands, and he feels less lonely and more independent.
This is the power of home care—it’s about physical support and emotional well-being. This support gives our elders the dignity and care they deserve while easing the burden on their families.
The Way Forward
The demand for home care services in Bangladesh is only going to grow. It’s up to all of us—government, private sector, NGOs, and communities—to work together and build a system that works for everyone. Here’s how we can move forward:
First, we need to invest in training programs to professionalize caregiving. There are only 3.05 physicians and 1.07 nurses for every 10,000 people, far below the global median of 49 healthcare professionals per 10,000. By scaling up training initiatives, we can ensure that caregivers have the skills to meet the needs of our aging population.
Second, we must expand social safety nets to make home care services more affordable. The government’s monthly allowance of Tk 600 for the elderly is a start, but it’s far from enough. Increasing this amount and exploring public-private partnerships can help families access professional care without financial strain.
Finally, raising awareness is crucial. Many families still rely on informal caregiving due to social stigma. Public campaigns can help change perceptions and encourage more people to seek professional care for their loved ones.
As we move forward, remember that caring for our elders isn’t just a responsibility—it reflects who we are as a society. Let’s ensure we’re ready to meet this challenge with compassion, innovation, and determination.
