IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1484 - Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes.
What are the possible reasons for this?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
An increasing number of senior citizens nowadays are being placed in care homes rather than being cared for by their families. This shift can be attributed to various factors, such as the growing pressures of modern life and improvements in professional elderly care. While this development offers certain benefits, it also presents several challenges, which this essay will examine.
One primary reason for this trend is the increasing work commitments of younger generations. In today’s fast-paced world, many adults have demanding careers, leaving them with little time to provide full-time care for their elderly relatives. As a result, professional nursing homes become a practical solution. Additionally, advancements in healthcare have led to longer life expectancy, which means many elderly individuals require specialized medical attention that family members may not be able to provide. For instance, individuals suffering from dementia or chronic illnesses often receive better treatment in professional care facilities.
One major advantage of care homes is the availability of round-the-clock medical supervision. Trained caregivers ensure that elderly residents receive proper medication, hygiene, and nutrition. Furthermore, these facilities offer social engagement opportunities through group activities, reducing loneliness and promoting mental well-being. For example, many nursing homes organize recreational programs that help senior citizens remain active and socially connected.
However, there are significant drawbacks to this trend. Firstly, some elderly individuals may feel abandoned or emotionally neglected, leading to depression. The absence of family support can make them feel isolated, especially in unfamiliar environments. Secondly, the cost of care homes can be a burden for many families. High-quality facilities often charge substantial fees, making them unaffordable for low-income households. For instance, private nursing homes in developed countries can cost thousands of pounds per month.
In conclusion, while the placement of elderly individuals in care homes is often necessary due to work pressures and medical needs, it has both benefits and drawbacks. Ensuring that elderly people receive the best care while maintaining emotional connections with their families is essential to making this transition as positive as possible.
Sample Answer 2:
In contemporary society, the traditional practice of caring for elderly family members within their own homes has gradually shifted towards placing them in care or nursing facilities. This trend can be attributed to several reasons, encompassing societal, economic, and individual factors. This essay will also outline a few benefits and disadvantages of this trend.
Firstly, the increase in nuclear families and the rise of dual-career households result in decreased availability of family members to offer full-time care to their elderly relatives. For instance, in contemporary urban settings, both parents in a family often work full-time jobs, leaving little opportunity for them to provide constant care for elderly family members. Moreover, as communities become more globalized, adult children may relocate for career opportunities, making it geographically challenging to provide consistent care to elderly parents or grandparents.
The transition of elderly individuals to care homes presents both advantages and disadvantages. One notable advantage is the provision of specialized care and medical attention by trained professionals, ensuring the elders' health needs are adequately met. Moreover, these facilities often offer structured social activities and companionship, reducing isolation and enhancing mental well-being.
Conversely, among the disadvantages, the change in environment and routine may cause emotional distress, leading to feelings of abandonment or loneliness among the elderly. Furthermore, the institutional setting might lack the warmth and personalized attention found in familial care, potentially leading to a decline in emotional connection and support.
In conclusion, the shift towards care homes for the elderly stems from a combination of societal changes and practical considerations. While these facilities offer professional care and structured support systems, they can also lead to emotional challenges and a sense of disconnection for the elderly.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes.
What are the possible reasons for this?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Essay Type: Double Question Essay (Reasons + Advantaegs & Disadvantages)
Reasons why elderly people are placed in care homes:
1. Modern work commitments limit family availability:
Many adults have full-time jobs and busy schedules, making it difficult to provide round-the-clock care for elderly family members. As a result, professional nursing facilities become a practical alternative. For example, working professionals with demanding jobs may struggle to meet the medical and emotional needs of aging parents.
2. Increased life expectancy and specialized care needs:
Advancements in healthcare mean that elderly individuals live longer, often requiring specialized medical attention that family members cannot provide. For example, patients with conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s disease need professional care that family caregivers may not be trained to offer.
3. Smaller family sizes and migration trends:
Many modern families are smaller, and younger generations often relocate for work or education, making it impractical to care for elderly relatives. For example, many young professionals move abroad for career growth, leaving aging parents without direct family support.
4. Social acceptance of care homes:
Society now views nursing homes as an acceptable and even preferable option for elder care, as these facilities provide structured routines and professional assistance. For example, in many developed nations, government-funded care homes are widely used and considered beneficial for senior citizens.
5. Health concerns and safety measures:
Elderly individuals with mobility issues or chronic illnesses may require constant monitoring to prevent accidents, which care homes are better equipped to handle. For example, seniors prone to falls receive 24/7 supervision in nursing facilities, reducing risks compared to being alone at home.
7. Loose ties in family relationships:
In modern society, family structures and relationships can be weaker or less cohesive due to various factors such as distance, differing priorities, or generational gaps. Some families may have a loose emotional connection, leading to a lack of support for elderly members. In such cases, elderly individuals may be placed in care homes because family members feel less inclined or unable to provide the necessary care. The absence of close-knit family bonds can contribute to the decision to seek professional care in a nursing home.
8. Increased financial constraints:
Many families may struggle financially to provide proper care for elderly members, especially if they require round-the-clock attention or specialized medical care. The cost of hiring in-home help or modifying a home to make it suitable for an elderly person can be prohibitively expensive. As a result, some families opt for care homes as a more affordable solution.
9. Lack of caregiving skills and knowledge:
Caring for elderly individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities can be physically and emotionally challenging. Many family members may not possess the necessary skills or knowledge to provide the required care. In these situations, care homes with trained professionals become a viable option, as they offer specialized care for those with complex medical conditions.
Advantages of placing elderly individuals in care homes:
1. Access to professional medical care:
Nursing homes provide trained medical staff who can administer medication and offer specialized treatments. For example, care homes with on-site doctors can quickly address health issues, improving life expectancy.
2. Social engagement and mental well-being:
Being in a care home allows elderly people to interact with peers and participate in activities, reducing loneliness. For example, many facilities organize games, group exercises, and outings to keep residents mentally and socially active.
3. Reduced burden on family members:
Placing elderly individuals in care facilities allows families to focus on work and personal responsibilities without the stress of caregiving. For example, professionals who travel frequently can ensure their aging parents receive proper care while they manage their careers.
4. Structured routine and safety:
Care homes provide a stable environment with fixed schedules for meals, medications, and exercises, ensuring better overall health. For example, dementia patients in nursing homes benefit from routines that minimize confusion and distress.
5. Better hygiene and nutrition:
Elderly residents receive balanced meals and proper hygiene care, reducing the risk of infections and malnutrition. For example, nursing homes provide diet plans tailored to the nutritional needs of aging individuals.
Disadvantages of placing elderly individuals in care homes:
1. Emotional distress and feelings of abandonment:
Many elderly people feel neglected when they are placed in care homes, leading to depression and anxiety. For example, seniors who were once independent may struggle emotionally with being away from their families.
2. High financial costs:
Quality nursing homes can be expensive, placing a financial strain on families, especially in countries without government support. For example, private care homes in the UK and USA can cost thousands of pounds or dollars per month.
3. Lack of personalized attention:
Despite professional care, elderly individuals in nursing homes may not receive the same level of emotional warmth and personal attention as they would from family members. For example, overworked caregivers in large facilities may not have enough time to form deep connections with residents.
4. Risk of mistreatment or neglect:
In some cases, reports of neglect and mistreatment in care homes raise concerns about the safety and well-being of elderly residents. For example, underfunded or poorly managed nursing homes may fail to provide adequate care, leading to cases of elder abuse.
5. Loss of family bonds:
Placing elderly individuals in care homes can weaken family relationships as younger generations may visit infrequently. For example, elderly parents in care facilities may have limited interactions with grandchildren, reducing family unity.
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