OLD AGE HOMES

Old age homes are meant for senior citizen who are not unable to stay with their families or
destitute. States in India such as Delhi Kerala Maharashtra West Bengal have developed good quality old
age homes.
For older people who have nowhere to go and no one to support them old age homes provide
safe heaven. This home also create a family like atmosphere among the residents. Senior citizen
experience a sense of security friendship when the share their joys and sorrows with each other.

Old age homes are set up by the central or state governments voluntary organisation for older
people to provide residential facilities and other allied need.

FACTORS responsible for the development of old age homes are:

 Migration of young couples from the rural areas to cities in search of better employment
opportunities.
 Elders who have been in control of the household for a long time are unwilling to give up the
responsibility to their children
 Youngsters on their part are sometimes resentful for the attitude of their parents
 Meaning younsters have moved to places far away from their native homes and in the recent part
to many countries abroad. So even if they want to they cannot accommodate their parents in their
own homes.
 Elders are sometimes too incapacitated or unwell to look after themselves or get medical care
especially in emergency.

All these have made the old age homes seems more relevant in the Indian context than ever before.

TYPES OF OLD AGE HOMES

There are two types of old age homes in India.
 One is a free type which gas for the destitute old people who have no one else to care for them.
They are given shelter food clothing and medical care.

 The second type is the paid homes where care is provided for a fee nowadays. Such retirement
homes are very popular.

GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING AN OLD AGE HOME

Location
An old age home should have a clam, Pollution free environment and all other basic necessities just as
any comfortable housing project. It could be located in rural or urban setting depending on the type of
people expected to live in it. While some people may like quiet Idyllic surroundings others may prefer an
urban area where they have quick access to the facility in the City.

Design
 Old age home could be the dormitory type independent rooms or cottages depending on the
social and economic status of those who was going to live in the homes.
 The rooms should be well ventilated.
 As much as possible all facilities in the room should be at the ground floor level if upper floors
have to be built it then a sloping Ramp has to be provided which would also facilitate easy
passage of wheelchair when needed.
  The toilets and bathroom should have the flooring so that the elders do not slip. Suitable railings
should be provided for the support.
 A room should be set apart where sick people needing short-term treatment could be housed.
 Recreation rooms and rooms for medical care should be built.

Staffing
 A home for aged will need an administrator who will be responsible for the running of the home.
Supporting staff such as clerk, cashier cum accountant, nursing staff, attendees, maid and a cook
are the basic required staff for the sufficient running of an old age home.
 Medical officer will be needed to attend to the health needs of the inmates. If the home is very
close to a hospital where emergency is can be treated then, it may be enough to avail the
services of a doctor, who worked there part time.
 A Nutritionist can play an important role by providing special attention to the nutritional
requirements of the residence at least a part time nutritionist should be appointed.
 A professionally qualified social worker is an essential member of the team of personnel.
 Wherever possible nursing staff and health care workers trained in geriatric care should be
appointed.

Health facilities
 All medicines and medical accessories that may be needed for treatment of the residence should
be stored as per the advice of the senior physician. For example oxygen cylinders, suction
Apparatus and intravenous sets should be readily available.
 Drug should be replaced periodically considering there expiry date.
 Transport facility should be available in case there is any need to rush them to the hospital for
Intensive Care

Other Facilities
 Recreational and reading facilities such as television ,video player ,newspaper and book should
be available depending on the extent of the physical activity of the residents other facilities for
active sports such as Tennis, Table Tennis, squash can be provided. Depending on the needs
billiard and card tables and other Entertainment facilities can be provided.
 In today's context computers with the Internet connections are more a necessity than an option
especially to receive and send emails to the near and dear. The ability to browse the world wide
web will allow the residents to be informed and the Mentally active.

Participation Of Residents
 Residents should be encouraged to participate in the day-to-day activities of the home which may
be anything from cooking to maintaining the cleanliness to the home.
 They could also periodically organised celebrations of various festivals and social events.