Support and services for the aged are provided by a large number of government programs (Commonwealth, State/Territory and local) as well as programs/support from the community and voluntary sectors (particularly families), the private for profit sector and the private not-for-profit sector. Because the aged are able to access the 'mainstream' support and services (for example, health care, housing support and income support) that are available to the whole population, it is not possible to present precisely what is provided to the aged and what it costs.
Most assistance and support is provided to that section of the aged population which need more support-the frail and the disabled. For many aged over 65 years of age there is no need for specific assistance. With the general trend towards people living longer and being healthier for longer, the main emphasis in terms of assistance and support is towards the 'older' aged that is those aged over 75-80 years of age. It is generally understood that the greatest need for support is in the last two years of a person's life.
We are dedicated to improving the status for India’s senior citizens, by providing medical services, to those in need. The pity is that today’s rapid urbanization has taken over the traditional value-system of our people and shifted their socio-economic priorities. Sons and daughters and their children find no time for the senior citizens in their family. The elderly, who have provided their services and support to the society, feel unloved and neglected in this phase of their lives. Their deteriorating physical strength and other geriatric illnesses add to their difficulties. Their often poor financial condition, lack of affordable health care and the generally neglected by society which has propelled us to step in and bring in elder welfare programs.
With advanced medical care and improved standards of living, old people now have more years of age to cope with. The quality of living through old age depends, to a large extent, on sensible handling by the caregivers. People in their eighties are invariably suffering from physical immobility or dementia (still unrecognised).
Their needs are many
- Physical needs : First, like giving them a bath, clothing them, giving food and medicines at regular intervals, accompanying them for a walk and so on.
- Financial needs:Like arranging for their monthly expenditures, managing their bank accounts and other financial transactions. Third, emotional needs, like sparing time to listen to them even if it did or did not make sense, or making them feel useful by assigning tasks which they can perform.
With all the encouragement and support by the society, we will soon be the need of the times and surely prove a great boon to the old by providing them support in the most difficult phase of their life.