Puskeshaj Emphasises Importance of Accompaniment for Elderly Hajj Pilgrims Experiencing Disorientation

Mecca (ANTARA) - Acting Head of the Indonesian Hajj Health Centre (Kapuskeshaj), Dani Pramudy, emphasised the importance of continuous accompaniment for elderly prospective Hajj pilgrims who experience disorientation or confusion upon arriving in the Holy Land.

“The most important thing is not to leave them alone. There must be someone accompanying them by their side, reminding them where they are and who is with them,” said Dani in Mecca on Friday.

He stated that the process of restoring orientation generally takes about 24 to 48 hours.

During the recovery period, Dani urged companions to ensure three main things are met for the prospective Hajj pilgrims.

First is sufficient rest by giving the body time for total relaxation after the flight. Next is nutritional intake by maintaining a eating pattern to keep energy levels up.

Third is hydration. Prospective Hajj pilgrims must ensure their fluid needs are met by drinking plenty to speed up spatial awareness recovery.

After the condition stabilises, prospective Hajj pilgrims are advised not to immediately engage in heavy activities.

Dani recommended gradual adaptation steps, starting from familiarising themselves with the hotel environment to light walking around the accommodation before heading to the Grand Mosque for the obligatory Umrah.

“The aim is for pilgrims to be truly fit when entering the peak of Hajj at Arafah,” said Dani.

Puskeshaj has identified the most vulnerable group for disorientation as prospective Hajj pilgrims aged over 60, especially those with a history of declining memory and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

To ensure the safety of worship, health personnel are committed to continuously conducting intensive monitoring of high-risk (risti) prospective Hajj pilgrims until the entire Hajj worship series is completed.