Kerala plans ward-level support network for vulnerable elderly people

The Kerala government has decided to establish a neighbourhood elder support network from the ward level upward to strengthen social support for older people, The Hindu reported. The network will use Kudumbashree structures and operate from wards to local self-government institutions. It will identify and assess elderly people requiring special attention, including those who live alone, are bedridden, are differently abled or are economically and socially marginalised.

The system will maintain digital information about older people and their level of vulnerability in each ward. It will connect them with government schemes and services and coordinate local support during emergencies. The network will also carry out vulnerability mapping, decide which services individuals require and prepare support plans for them.

A service directory will list emergency and referral services, while a digital dashboard will be used to monitor activities. The initiative will work with local self-government institutions, the Health Department, Kudumbashree and voluntary organisations. It forms part of the government’s 100-day action plan, according to an order issued by the newly formed Department of Senior Citizens.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier announced that the network would help ensure neighbourhood attention to older people and their needs. He said the number of elderly people requiring special attention was limited enough to make such a system possible.

The United Democratic Front government has announced a dedicated department for senior citizens as Kerala deals with a steadily increasing ageing population. The source material does not give a launch date for the network, its budget or the number of people expected to be covered.