KOCHI: “Our helpline is busy with calls seeking space in old age home, but unfortunately most of the homes are filled above their capacity. Though facilities in paid homes are better off, the destitute homes leave much to be desired. But registered paid homes are also few in number, around six,” says John Daniel, senior manager, programme, Help-Age India, Ernakulam centre. With the emergence of nuclear families, the seniors are left to fend for themselves. Those who can afford shelter in old-age homes find little solace and those who can't are left at the mercy of government-run homes. According to the last Census 11.74 per cent of the Kerala population is aged and the projected population of the old in 2021 is 20 per cent. Neither the state nor Ernakulam district is equipped to meet the needs and demands of the aged. Studies and surveys on the living conditions have hardly been done. “We have submitted a proposal to the government to conduct a study on all homes, including old-age homes. The Kerala Social Security Mission is also planning to conduct a study on abuse of the old, in association with the Centre for Development Studies. We will take a statistics on the complaints received, said regional director Dinesh Bhaskaran. The Directorate of Social Welfare too has not conducted any detailed study. “Yes, Kerala is old-age society as the number of aged is above 10 per cent of the population. We are yet to conduct studies on the living conditions and other aspects of the aged,” said Raghavanunni, Joint Director. Though district-wise studies have not been done, the number of aged opting for old-age homes is increasing going by the growing number of homes coming up in the district. The situation is so grave that even middle-aged people are making their future secure by booking rooms in paid homes now, said John. The middle-aged from the economically backward sections also seek shelter in government-run homes. “We put those aged below 55 in Asha Home, Kakkanad. There are over 2,000 aged persons in the queue who are seeking shelter. We need more facilities to cater to their needs,” said Mukundan, District Social Welfare Officer. Mayor Tony Chammany said: “The present facilities are not enough. We are building a new block at Thevara where 60 more people can be housed. The facilities will be improved at the Palluruthy Settlement and a new block will be built there. It is not the government’s responsibility alone but other organisation should also contribute their mite to make the welfare of the aged better.”
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