Institutionalised elderly care need of hour: Secy Social Justice Ministry

New Delhi, 18th November 2023: Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Secretary, Dr Saurabh Garg on Friday said that the institutionalised care of elderly people is the need of the hour and cannot be avoided.

“It is old concept in mind and also suitable to cultural traditions that aging at home is commonly accepted and encouraged. But at the same time the institutionalised care is somewhat which is needed and required and as time goes by it would be needed in a much greater way,” the Secretary said at 4th ASLI Ageing fest.

The Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) is a premier national voluntary membership association that addresses the needs of ageing population by establishing communication platforms that educate seniors about the diverse models of structured care available and the essential principles of quality care.

The top official said that in the past decade the government has focussed on isues related to senior citizens and going forward, if the country looks at the vision of “Viksit Bharat” in 2024, the proportion of elderly people will be much more than what it is currently. “I think it is the right time that we think what we need to do to prepare for the future,” he said.

Dr Garg averred that the government’s focus is especially on those who are not financially stable. He informed that the government is running more than 640 old age homes in around 360 districts.

“Ageing should be with dignity, whether that dignity is followed at home or at any other institution. I think this should be our motto,” the Secretary said.

The senior government officer even called for the preparation of an inventory for the future so that if some elderly need care, they have options in front of them depending upon their financial capability. He informed that the government is also imparting training to caregivers through which 1 lakh caregivers are expected to be trained within next three years.

The Secretary touched upon Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) program, which was launched two years back for the elderly people. The SAGE programme and SAGE portal were launched with a view to help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care.

Dr Garg apprised that since the launch of the portal, they have received 90 applications. “One is making automated devices for home dialysis, another one is trying to make cost-effective tests for elderly people,” the officer said.

Dr Vinod Paul, Member, Niti Ayog, who was the chief guest at the ASLI Ageing fest, emphasised the fact that 50% of elderly people are women and the companies working in the field of elderly care should focus on this fact.

“Fifty per cent of elderly are women, they have special needs, care, privacy, mental health, and special situations. So let’s not forget about specific solutions for our elderly people, especially women. You should bring affordable gender-specific solutions,” Dr Paul asserted.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Association of Senior Living India (ASLI), Adarsh Narahari, in his introductory address said that his association is actively fostering industry growth by organising regular industry meeting and programs that are aimed at enhancing operational standards, sharing best practices, and raising awareness about the senior care sector.

“The senior care industry in India holds immense potential, but we acknowledge the challenges it faces, be it regulatory frameworks or infra development. We are dedicated to advocating transformative approaches that prioritize the well-being and dignity of seniors,” Narahari said.