Keralam Launches 12-Tier Plan for Elderly Care

Keralam has launched a significant 'Comprehensive Elderly Care Action Plan' designed to bolster geriatric services for its ageing population. This initiative outlines a detailed 12-level intervention strategy with specific timelines, engaging a wide array of stakeholders.

The plan provides a robust framework focusing on promoting healthy ageing, maintaining functional abilities, and ensuring the social and mental well-being of older adults. It was presented on International Day of Older Persons.

Key stakeholders include individuals, families, community volunteers, and neighbourhoods, supported by primary healthcare systems like ASHAs and family health centers. Guidance will flow from primary care to secondary systems at community health centers and hospitals.

Interventions will focus on personalized care, nutrition, medicines, social security, physical and cognitive activities, legal rights awareness, and digital literacy for daily living. Neighborhood-level programs will foster social engagement and build capacity for self-assessment and awareness of health risks.

The action plan adopts a four-category framework: bed-bound, home-bound, those with chronic illnesses, and active elderly. Each category has distinct, tailored care pathways, establishing a continuum of care and aiming for comprehensive support for all seniors.