Some Programmes for the Elderly

Some Programmes for the Elderly Government, Non-Government Organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, local bodies are implementing different types of programmes for the elderly in India. Some of the programmes operating in the country for the elderly are as follows: Programmes catering to the basic needs of Older Persons particularly food, shelter and health care to the destitute elderly; Programmes to build and strengthen intergenerational relationships particularly between children/youth and Older Persons; Programmes for encouraging Active and Productive Ageing; Programmes for providing Institutional as well as Non Institutional Care/Services to Older Persons; Research, Advocacy and Awareness building programmes in the field of Ageing; Old Age homes to provide food, care and shelter; Respite Care Homes and Continuous Care Homes for Older Persons who live in old age homes but are seriously ill requiring continuous nursing care and respite; Multi-Service Centres for Older Persons to provide daycare, educational and entertainment opportunities, healthcare, companionship; Mobile Medicare Units to provide medical care to the older persons living in rural and isolated and backward areas; Day Care Centres for Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Patients to provide specialised day-care; Help-lines and Counseling Centres for older persons; Mental health care and Specialised care for the Older Persons to provide Mental Health Care Intervention Programmes to the elderly; Disability care and hearing aids for older persons; Physiotherapy clinics for older persons; Awareness Generation Programmes for Older Persons and Care Givers like self-care, preventive health care, disease management, preparation for old age/healthy and productive ageing, intergenerational bonding; Training of Caregivers for older persons; Sensitising programmes for children, particularly in Schools and Colleges; National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) meant for old persons who are considered destitute i.e., not having any regular means of subsistence on their own or through financial support from family members. Beneficiaries should be above years, need to provide proof of age and their destitute status. The state governments can add to the amount from their own resources.