Thiruvananthapuram: The department of senior citizens signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with 12 institutions to strengthen initiatives for the welfare of the elderly. The 12 institutions will collaborate with the department in five areas – healthy ageing, community-based care, the silver and care economies, research-driven policymaking and social security and rights.
The 12 institutions that signed the MoUs with the department of senior citizens are the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Dementia India Alliance, Public Health and Social Development Foundation, Health Action by People, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Swasti – The Health Catalyst, Centre for Management Development, Centre for Socio-Economic and Environmental Studies, Bharata Mata Extension for Organic Research and Environment and the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (Nuals).
Chief minister V D Satheesan has called for making the care and protection of senior citizens an integral part of social culture, stressing that govt alone cannot ensure their welfare and that NGOs and other agencies must join hands in the effort. He warned that strict legal action, including prosecution, would be initiated against those who abandon or evict their elderly parents. He was speaking after signing the MoUs.
Govt plans to implement comprehensive programmes in coordination with local self-govt institutions and NGOs. A detailed database of senior citizens requiring care, their mental health status and medical conditions will be prepared at the panchayat level and updated periodically to facilitate the formulation of targeted welfare schemes.
The chief minister said a one-year practical caregiver course was being developed, with its syllabus drawing on programmes in Germany, UK and Australia and adapted to Kerala’s requirements. The course will be positioned just below nursing in terms of professional training.
Caregivers will be appointed through coordination among govt, local bodies, NGOs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A volunteer corps involving Plus Two students will also be formed to visit elderly people, inquire about their well-being and help address loneliness.
Satheesan said govt’s vision extended beyond providing care to developing a silver economy. The experience and expertise of retired professionals would be utilised to mentor startups and industries.
