The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Health, safety and financial security: miles to go

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Health, safety and financial security: miles to go

Sahana Charan

BANGALORE: There is much to be desired when it comes to the health needs of senior citizens. Even though the State Government had proposed the opening of geriatric care centres, none of the government hospitals have dedicated geriatric care departments.

There are a few geriatric care centres in the private sector, mostly in posh hospitals. But they are beyond the reach of the economically weak senior citizens.

"Home care for senior citizens is a necessity but there are not many specialised home care services in the city and there is also a dearth of nurses trained in geriatric care. For senior citizens in rural areas who cannot reach primary health centres, there is a dire need for mobile health clinics," said Radha Murthy.

Safety

The Government, through designated organisations, including the elders' helpline, is providing ID cards for senior citizens.

For ensuring safety of senior citizens living alone, the police department has started the Elders' Police Hotline facility wherein they can alert the police discreetly and get help. They should keep their telephone off the hook for 20 seconds when in distress.

The police control room gets an alert message and will alert the nearest police station or patrol squad to rush to the distressed person's help.

To avail themselves of this facility, senior citizens should have a BSNL landline in their houses and also register themselves with the police through the Elders' Helpline.

Some time ago, vigilance around the houses of senior citizens living alone was initiated by the police, but it has not been sustained.

Financial security

The Union Government's report on Old Age Social and Income Security reveals that 89.2 per cent of the total work force retires without any post-retirement security scheme. No wonder then, senior citizens are anxious about their financial security. Besides, they are easily duped by individuals and private financial institutions.

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