Kerala to launch senior-citizens department and elderly welfare schemes
Kerala is set to inaugurate a new Department for Senior Citizens during state-level celebrations for the International Day of Older Persons. Planned initiatives include links between educational institutions and care homes, an elderly-services portal, vulnerability mapping and a registry of professional caregivers.
Kerala will inaugurate a new Department for Senior Citizens during state-level celebrations for the International Day of Older Persons in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to perform the inauguration.
The department has been formed to provide a more comprehensive approach to elderly healthcare, safety, social security, rehabilitation, rights, welfare, dignity and participation. The celebrations will be held under the theme “The Age of Longetivity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” Satheesan is also expected to launch welfare schemes under the State government’s 100-day programme. One initiative, called “Honour a home”, will connect school and college National Service Scheme units with nearby old-age homes or day-care centres.
The units will organise activities according to an annual calendar, while older people will be invited to educational institutions for activities including skill development and digital-literacy programmes. The scheme will initially be piloted in one home in each district. A portal developed with Information Kerala Mission will also be launched.
It will include an elderly survey module, allowing older people to self-register so that future surveys can focus on missing information. People aged over 60 with semi-skilled or professional backgrounds will be able to register details such as qualifications. Local bodies and others seeking their services will be able to search the information and contact them.
The portal will also support vulnerability mapping, with older people classified from low to critically vulnerable, and create a registry for professional caregivers. Users will be able to view caregivers’ qualifications, experience and ratings. Health Minister K.
Muraleedharan and Social Justice Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor are expected to attend. The inauguration will be followed by a seminar and cultural programmes.
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