Traditionally in most Islamic countries of the Asia and Pacific region elder Care for the aging populations has been provided by the family as the Islamic religion emphasizes the importance of taking care of their elderly. In most of these countries parents are dependent on their children and live with either their eldest or the youngest child. In these situations one of the family members would fully devote their time to take care of the elderly parent with ailing health. In many of these situations it would be the daughter or daughter in law, who was not working and taking care of the children at the same time.
With the fast economic demand to make a living, roles are changing and both males and females are forced to work to meet both ends meet. In this situation, care givers are fatigued and need help. I feel more research needs to be done on this subject to formulate a system where options of culturally and religiously appropriate help can be explored and this will guide policy makers to make decisions and formulate policies to provide culturally appropriate care for the aging Muslims.
Most of these immigrants moved to United States in the last half century and also brought their parents to the United States as they were morally responsible to take care of their parents. Now we have three generations of immigrants: The immigrants themselves; parents of the immigrants, and children of the immigrants who are now aging. Personally I think our generations is the most unfortunate generations as we took care of our children and parents but we will need institutional help when our time will come, as our children have a very busy life and the would not be able to meet the demand of care needed.
Muslim population from countries like India and Pakistan, residing in the orange and Los Angeles County face this dilemma. I want to explore what are their perceptions on this subject; this will help formulate a support system. This might force the policy makers and...