NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE HEALTHCARE OF ELDERLY

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE HEALTHCARE OF ELDERLY

The traditional norms and values of the Indian society laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the aged. However in recent times society is changing due to rapid urbanization, globalization and international migration which resulted withering of the joint family system. A large number of parents are being neglected by their family members exposing them to lack of emotional, physical and financial support. This clearly reveals that ageing has become a major social challenge and there is a need to provide for the economic and health needs of the elderly and to create a social milieu, which is conducive, and sensitive to emotional needs of the elderly. Approximately 40% of elderly live below poverty line and 30% live just above subsistence level.

Vision

To provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to an Ageing population;
Creating a new “architecture” for Ageing;
To build a framework to create an enabling environment for “a Society for all Ages”;
To promote the concept of Active and Healthy Ageing

Objective

To provide comprehensive health care to the elderly by preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.
To identify health problems in the elderly and provide appropriate health interventions with a strong referral backup support.
To build capacity of the medical and paramedical professionals as well as the care-takers within the family for providing health care to the elderly.
To change the attitudes towards elderly people through IEC/BCC and public education.
To treat and rehabilitate elder patients discharged from the hospital within the community

Activities

Daily Geriatric Clinic by specialist services for providing regular dedicated OPD services to the Elderly for examination and management of their Illnesses.
Separate Ques for elderly at registration and drug dispensing counters
Camps for regular medical check up and increasing the awareness on elderly care through display of Posters and banners.
Celebration of International day for older persons on 1st October and civil services day for elderly population.
Training of ANM/MPW for providing elderly care and promoting healthy aging
Health education through counselling on diet, exercise, stress management , prevention of fall and healthy habits.