Final report

A REPORT
ON
Old age home elderly survey report
By
Sumit Agarwal
14BSP2163

A REPORT ON
OLD AGE HOME ELDELY SURVEY REPORT
By
Sumit Agarwal
14BSP2163

HELP AGE INDIA PROJECT

A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of PGPM Program of IBS Kolkata

Distribution List:
Company Guide -Anuradha Sen.
Faculty Guide - Ajay Pathak.

Date of Submission: 30-05-2015

Acknowledgement I am using this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout the course of this SIP. I am thankful to IBS for their aspiring guidance, invaluably constructive criticism and friendly advice during the project work. I am sincerely grateful to them for sharing their truthful and illuminating views on a number of issues related to the project. I express my warm thanks to Mr. Ajay Pathak, director IBS. I would also like to thank my company guide Mrs. Anuradha Sen, HelpAge India joint director(Kolkata) and all the other people form Help Age India who provided me with the facilities being required and conductive conditions for my SIP.

INTRODUCTION
The greying of the global population has become a matter of concern for planners, scientists and the common man alike. The world’s most populous nations, China and India, account for a third of the elderly (60+) on the earth. The United Nations in response to the situation convened the world assembly on the status of the elderly, first in Vienna 1982 and subsequently at Madrid 2002, to formulate Action plans to address the challenges of an increasing elderly population and life expectancy.

The Government of India too addressed this issue in 1999 and a National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) and an Action plan were formulated. The Action plan was without any budgetary provisions. The NPOP has mostly remained on paper and only recently a few states have announced a state national policy. Among these are states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, Assam and Rajasthan. In 2007 Parliament passed an Act to ensure maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens.

In this background, with the estimated rapid increase of the elderly population in India, projected to reach 100 million by 2011 and 120 million by 2014, 1 the issues of elderly can no longer be the concern of only those directly involved. Legislators, policy makers, media professionals and others all need to be aware and conversant with issues of this very large and rapidly growing segment of population in the country.

Old age is the last stage of human life span, squire with decreasing energy and body resources. Socially, this stage was considered as the sum total of one’s lived experiences. Hence, the society offered a space of respect to the old. In such a society, the aged were the repositories, transmitters, and sole authorities of wisdom and knowledge. All these provided a ‘golden age’ concept to this stage, old age. But the present society does not perceive old age with such golden age conceptions. There are many measures that determine the social conceptions of old age. There are many means to provide knowledge and wisdom.

Old is not the mere and necessary component for the transmission of knowledge. Besides, many fear old age and consider it as a matter to be handled with care and attention. In a developing country like India, especially the state Kerala, old age has become a serious social issue nowadays. The change in conception of old age is the theme of the present study.

Purpose of the Report
To measure the satisfaction of the elderly level and quality of life living in old age homes and to analyze, with different facts as to how HelpAge India is different from other old age homes.

Scope of the Report
Scope of the report is to analyze the different ongoing programmes of HelpAge India and to differentiate between HelpAge India home and other homes.
Limitations
Privacy is one of the major concerns as no senior residents are free enough to discuss their problems openly.
A private funded old age home doesn’t allow entry of senior citizens who lack the ability to pay.
Often deceptive statistics are being provided by other old age homes to portray a good public image.

Methods of collecting data
Data collection will be done from primary sources for the survey. Primary data will be collected by the use of questionnaire which covers the various aspects related to the stated problem. The questionnaire has been designed on Likert scale. After finishing the questionnaire, responses will be collected from the senior residents residing in old age homes as well as common people who are well aware of the functioning of old age homes. Sampling techniques- simple random sampling. Data collection has been conducted via face to face interview. Data analysis will be done on SPSS.

About old ages homes in India
Old age homes are meant for senior citizens who are unable to stay with their families or are destitute. States in India such as Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal have developed good quality old age homes. These old age homes have special medical facilities for senior citizens such as mobile health care systems, ambulances, nurses and provision of well-balanced meals.
There are more than a thousand old age homes in India. Most of them offer free accommodation. Some homes work on a payment basis depending on the type and quality of services offered. Apart from food, shelter and medical amenities, old age homes also provide yoga classes to senior citizens. Old age homes also provide access to telephones and other forms of communication so that residents may keep in touch with their loved ones. Some old age homes have day care centers. These centers only take care of senior citizens during the day.
For older people who have nowhere to go and no one to support them, old age homes provide a safe haven. These homes also create a family like atmosphere among the residents. Senior citizens experience a sense of security and friendship when they share their joys and sorrows with each other.

About HelpAge India
MISSION
To work for the cause and care of disadvantaged older persons and to improve their quality of life.

VISION
HelpAge envisions a society where elderly have the Right to an active, healthy and dignified life. We are integrating our programmes and services, and consciously moving from welfare towards development and long term sustainability for seniors. We are working closely with Senior Citizen Associations and encouraging seniors to speak up for their own rights.
We are actively working as a pressure group and focusing on Elder Rights such as the Right to adequate Health Insurance, Right to Universal Pension and working towards providing elders a society with age appropriate services.
In our continuing fight against poverty, isolation and neglect of elders though we have made significant strides, but they are just a drop in the ocean.
We hope to achieve the following milestones by the Year 2020:
Livelihood security for two million elderly through institutions of elderly
Health security for two million elderly
A National movement of elders that gives them a voice and political constituency
Age appropriate services to 12 million elderly in partnership with government, private sector and civil society

HISTORY
What began as a humble initiative from a rented two room office in New Delhi's Kasturba Gandhi Marg has now blossomed into an extensive operation spread across 26 states with 90 project offices in India and headquartered at the capital's Qutab Institutional Area.
HelpAge India came into being in 1978 with Cecil Jackson Cole, founder of HelpAge International (UK), as its first President. Around this time two other men figured prominently in the HelpAge India story - John F. Pearson and Samson Daniel.
Constant endowments, from the United Kingdom were something both Pearson and Cole felt would not be practical in the long run. They realized that they needed to think out of the box so that charities in the developing world could continue to have a regular inflow of funds so that they could make a positive and lasting impact.
In March 1974, when Cole, visited India, an intrepid philanthropist named Samson Daniel approached him for financial help to set up a member organisation in Delhi. A far-sighted man, Cole instead offered to train him to raise funds. After a three month training course in London, Mr. Daniel and his wife returned to India and organized a sponsored walk with schoolchildren in Delhi. It was so successful that in 1975 HelpAge International recruited more staff to cover Bombay, Madras and Calcutta.

A NEW FORCE OF CHANGE
The year 1980 saw the advent of an individual who was to become an integral part of the HelpAge story and its driving force. Madan Mohan Sabharwal was born on August 21, 1922. Happily married, tragedy struck when his wife died, leaving him a widower at the age of 51. Bereft, Sabharwal began to focus his attention, and his many skills, on promoting the cause of the aged. He took over the reins as President of HelpAge India's Governing Body in 1986-87 succeeding John F. Pearson. Today, he continues to be an integral part of HelpAge as its President Emeritus.
Sabharwal came from a rich corporate background, so the charitable sector was relatively new to him, but he made efforts to know about its inner workings and felt that changes at the Government policy level were imperative for a long sustaining impact on the lives of India's elderly. He later went on to join the four member committee set up by the Government to review the National Policy on Older Persons.

PROGRAMS
In a country of rapidly increasing elder population and subsequent growing concerns to ensure that their later years are lived with economic & social security and dignity, HelpAge runs various programs.
Though over the last few decades the focus has primarily been on the destitute elder, ensuring that the underprivileged elderly are reached through its various services in the areas of financial, health and emotional security, there is now a growing focus on the disadvantaged urban elder as well.
HelpAge is also slowly moving from Welfare to Development services for the elderly in urban & rural areas. In rural India it is concentrating on long term sustainability of programs through formation of Elder Self Help Groups, restoring dignity and economic independence among the poor elder community, while in urban India it is urging elders to stay active and form AdvantAge Groups under its AdvantAge Card program, which not only helps provides the urban elder with benefits and discounts of various services, but also urges them to ‘Get Active, Stay Active’.

MOBILE HEALTHCARE
In a nation where the reach of the public health facilities is dismal and where private health care is prohibitively expensive, the old in their post retirement years face enormous difficulty in accessing any kind of medical attention. In addition to this is the problem of near absence of geriatric medical skill and treatment. There are over 80 million elders over the age of 80 in the country, almost totally bereft of specialised attention that they require. The situation that HelpAge India faces in reaching its Health Care outreach programs to the elderly in urban and rural areas is truly challenging.

CATARACT SURGERIES
KEY FACTS
81 per cent of blind cases in India is due to cataract
2 million new cases of cataract are reported every year in India
1 ophthalmologist for 100,000 people in India
60-69 year olds are at 2.74 times greater risk of losing vision
70+ are at 4.86 times greater risk of losing vision
In the last 30 years, HelpAge India has supported nearly 850,000 surgeries on poor and needy older persons by partnering with nearly 400 organizations (eye hospitals, trusts, NGOs). Every year, more than 20000 cataract surgeries are performed all over the country with support from HelpAge India through credible and competent Eye Hospitals; and organisations working in the field of eye-care. The project includes awareness generation in the community, the catchment area of the organization, on eye care, prevention of eye diseases/infections, precautions to be taken during infections etc.

PHYSIOCARE
Every individual hopes to live an independent life with dignity and carry out daily activities of their life, unassisted. However, the natural process of ageing is accompanied by host of degenerative physical problems such as reduced muscle power and tone, reduced range of motion and bone density.
With this in mind, HelpAge India provides physiocare that is aimed at enabling and supporting the elderly to maintain their fitness and mobility level, enhance their independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) as well as improve their self-confidence and self-esteem.

----------------WHAT IS HELPAGE INDIA DOING--------------------------
FIELD OF OPERATION
Physiotherapists are duly qualified and registered with the IAP (Indian Association of Physiotherapists); patient registration cards are maintained by the clinic for records and clinical research; monthly reports are sent to HI head office along with case studies.
CURRENT PROGRAM STATUS
70 geriatric physiotherapy clinics supported by HelpAge India in 23 states. Out of these, 23 centers are directly run by HelpAge India, the rest are operated in association with senior citizens in urban and rural areas.

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT
India had 90 million elderly persons in 2011, with the number expected to grow to 173 million by 2026. Of the 90 million seniors, 30 million are living alone, and 90 per cent work for their livelihood.
The number of elderly women is more than that of elderly men. Nearly three out of five single older women are very poor, and two out of three rural elderly women are fully dependent on others for want of appropriate livelihood opportunities towards economic security.
With poor social security arrangements for the elderly, it is not surprising that around 37 million elderly in India need to work in order to survive. A majority of these workers are illiterate or have limited levels of education. Rural Elderly have been doubly disadvantaged as the access issues common to rural areas to health, economic and development services are only exacerbated due to the fact that the elderly are invisible and unorganized.

ADVANTAGE - ACTIVE AGEING CENTRES
Most elders find themselves at a loss after an active work life, with no place to go, no colleagues and often no support group. Studies indicate that in most cases this leads to a feeling of complete isolation, neglect and loss of confidence and self-worth leading to depression and health problems. This is a serious situation calling for urgent, remedial action. The consequences of not doing so are alarming considering that India’s elderly population is projected to reach 200 million by 2030.
According to health professionals, elders who are part of a social or work group fare much better in terms of physical and emotional well-being. The solution seems to lie in like-minded elders forming small groups and working together on socially useful projects which not only benefits society but is of immense benefit to the elders themselves as it keeps them socially engaged and imparts a sense of self-worth. Which is why, HelpAge India, the country’s leading advocate of Active Ageing has launched a unique programs that strives to meet these objectives.

WHAT IS HELPAGE INDIA DOING

HelpAge has always encouraged Senior Citizen Associations to form small groups of like-minded people to engage in community work. However, it was soon realized that these groups of elders need a physical space with at least a minimal infrastructure for them to come together to engage in social work and pursue their interests. Hence, there was an urgent need for AdvantAge Centres.
HelpAge India envisages setting up AdvantAge Centres across the country. This follows the successful AdvantAge Active Ageing programs and is structured along the lines of the already well established Agecare Centres supported by HelpAge India in multiple locations.
The centre will be set up at a location which belongs to or is rented by a Senior Citizen Association and will be managed by elders. While the initial start-up infrastructure would be funded, the socially useful work that the elders will engage in is required to become self-funding by the seniors within a specified time period.
Additionally, since it is accepted that physiotherapy provides help in prolonging active life for many elders, and is also much in demand, the centres are to be equipped with a set of physiotherapy machines and a trained physiotherapist. The centre charges a token therapy charge from non-members which contributes towards the running cost of the centre.

OLD AGE HOMES
At present 95 million people in India are above the age of 60, by the year 2025 nearly 80 million more will be added to this population bracket. With improved life expectancy rate in our country, it’s estimated that as many as 8 million people are currently above the age of 80 years. Changing family value system, economic compulsions of the children, neglect and abuse has caused elders to fall through the net of family care. Homes for the Aged are ideal for elderly people who are alone, face health problems, depression and loneliness.

Tamaraikulam Elders Village (TEV) :

Recognised as a model demonstration project by the Government of Tamil Nadu, TEV is the first Home for the Aged constructed by HelpAge India. Situated in Cuddalore, about 20 km from Puducherry, the construction of this Home for the Aged was made possible by the generous donations from viewers of NDTV. This model age care, free stay facility for rural poor has a capacity for 100 persons. TEV has multiple age friendly facilities and is self-sufficient in terms of energy and food. Active residents raise livestock, look after a fish pond, a vegetable plot, a greenhouse and a rice paddy field. As part of their income-generating activities, they produce items such as toiletries, banana-leaf rope, straw bags and pickles for sale in order to raise money for TEV. The residents have excellent healthcare facilities, practice active ageing techniques, participate in community meetings, celebrate festivals and are also involved in recreational activities with local community and Panchayat. TEV takes care of all the needs of its elders and provides them emotional and physical care.

Kalyan Ashram, Kolkata:

Located in Chetla (South Kolkata), this donated two-storey home has been converted into model age care facility for elderly women. Managed by HelpAge India Kalyan Ashram has a capacity for 10 persons with all the age friendly amenities essential for a Home for the Aged. The residents have access to excellent healthcare services and physiotherapy care. The facility also serves as a service hub for senior citizens of Kolkata and surrounding areas, providing support through a toll free elders helpline, physiotherapy care and medical services. Services to 38 Homes for the Aged of Kolkata are provided from this facility.

ADVANTAGE – BENEFIT CARDS FOR ELDERS
AdvantAge - Discount Card for Senior Citizens Now, claim discounts on products and services at chemists, path labs, clinics, eye and dental care centres, wellness centres, hotels, online travel sites and many more. Access smart living tips on care for your health, financial planning, choosing Insurance schemes, planning holidays and more. All these are yours with the AdvantAge Card, India’s first discount card exclusively for those 50 years and above. Senior Citizens seeking to stretch household budgets after retirement will find this discount card especially useful. It’s valid for life and there are no renewal fees! Over 4000 retail associates in 350 cities across India are waiting to serve you! So, go ahead and apply for the AdvantAge Card today. It comes to you from HelpAge India, the country’s largest NGO in age-care services.

SAVE – STUDENT ACTION FOR VALUE EDUCATION

There’s an ever growing number of the elderly people in our country. Simultaneously the country is undergoing major economic and social changes which are directly impacting societal norms and changing family mores are separating joint families, forcing the elderly to fend for themselves. With pressures on the younger generation increasing in academics, technology enhancement and exposure and engagement with the virtual world, the definition of physical time and spaces is rapidly changing. More time is spent today online than actual physical interaction with people. This is adversely affecting the older generation and increasingly, the elderly suffer from isolation and neglect. In order to counter this growing problem change needs to take place at the formative stage. The way to do this is to start young at the school and college levels.

WHAT IS HELPAGE INDIA DOING

HelpAge’s birth is synonymous with Sponsored Walks with school children. Special events were organized in the early formative years, where school children walked for the cause spreading awareness on the importance of being sensitive to the needs of the elderly. More than two lakh children took part in the program in 1979. Samson Daniel, to whom much of the credit for the formation of HelpAge goes, was the pioneer of Sponsored Walks in India.

Most young adults today remember being a part of HelpAge’s School Education program. In recent years however, with the declining value system and the rapid birth of nuclear families, the definition of a ‘Complete Family’ has seen a major change from one consisting of Father, Mother, Siblings and Grandparents in many instances, to that of simply Father, Mother and Child. Grandparents have slowly but surely are moving out of the ‘Complete Family’ circle.

HUG - HELP UNITE GENERATIONS
With changing times, families and relationships are getting redefined. The family values which were understood and passed over from one generation to the next are getting lost in a fast paced life. Virtues of spending time together are losing their relevance among loved ones. Thus, there is a need to evolve ways to bridge the gap between generations. This is where the Help Unite Generations or HUG program comes in. It encourages you to give a thought, to look and think differently about elders and be more sensitive towards their needs.

Old age home (A1)
About A1 :
A1 has been inaugurated on 7th May, 2006 by Mrs. Bharti Deveshwar, President of ITC Ladies Social Welfare Society.
"A1" is situated on a plot of land measuring approx. 9000Sq.ft. with 50% open space as well manicured garden. At present, the ground floor is ready for occupation. There are eight twin sharing rooms fully furnished with modern amenities, attached bath, toilet and a balcony. The ground floor also houses Office, Library, Lobby, Kitchen, Dining and Community hall. Plans are on for construction of the first floor and future plan is an addition of 3 more floors. Provision of lift has been kept for the benefit of the elderly residents. The rates are competitive and definitely more convenient for old people than running around for regular household chores on their own.
ITC Ladies Social Welfare Society has shown great faith by giving strong financial backing to A1 and we hope that many more corporate houses, small business houses and individuals will come up to assist in fulfilling this dream project of A1 which has taken up this project at a time when need for such homes is soaring high.

Salient Features
Presently the ground floor is built on an area of 9000 Sq.ft. with funds donated by ITC Ladies Social Welfare Society, Kolkata having 50% open area as garden space in front.
Provision for expansion of three more floors with facility of elevator.
The Ground floor has eight rooms.
The ground floor also houses Office, Library, Lobby, Kitchen, Dining and Community hall.
Each twin sharing room is fully furnished with modern amenities, attached bath, toilet and a balcony.
Antiskid tiles in bed room, balcony, bathroom & toilet.
Floors in passage, lobby, dining room, office, Library are tiled and mosaic finished.
Space for Prayer and Yoga will be made available from 6AM to 9.30AM.
Monthly Medical check ups for the residents.
Ayah/attendant round the clock.
Generator set
Cars available on hire.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
Library both at A1 premises and outside the premises in the locality.
Television set and DVD player.
Screening of Film shows.
Computer.
Other activities connected with physical/mental recreation will be organized during the months e.g. seminars, cultural programmes.
Local outing for residents will be arranged regularly.
Outstation travel may also be arranged.
Scope for gardening.
Scope for fishing is available nearby.
Writing or other artistic skills among the residents will be encouraged.
Publishing magazine with contribution from the residents.
Celebration of Special Days.

Old age home (B2)
About B2 :

B2 as a premier retirement residence, offers a continuum of assured lifetime care for every resident with access to health care services, food, personal assistance (if requested), round the clock common floor attendant, security, maintenance, housekeeping, linen services, wellness, entertainment etc.

Security
There is a 7 ft wall with barbed wire all around B2 with round the clock security personnel ensuring your full proof security.

Facilities
At B2, we have taken maximum care to provide all the possible facilities so that you can enjoy the best of your life. The following facilities are available for our every resident and guest:
Housekeeping facilities

Housekeeping daily

Linen services daily

Trash pick-up daily

In-House manager available on call 24 hrs a day

Healthcare facilities

Medical Unit
Emergency medical response
Ambulance facility 24 hrs a day
Visiting Geriatrist Physician every month

Club Facilities

Swimming Pool
Movies on Demand
Library & Reading Room
Internet Parlour with high speed internet connection

Other Facilities
Musical evenings and Birthday Celebration
Scheduled transportation for all residents and guests
Lift

Old age home (C3)
About C3 :
The aim of their project : "Homage to Senior Citizens " is to rekindle this light, and make sure that no one is deprived of this essential sparks of existence in one’s old age.
On the sylvan surroundings where the gentle waters of the Hooghly lap in rhythm to the boatman's song, and under a huge open sky which witnesses the eddying and ebbing of silvery tides, a new sapling of life is being planted. One that'll spread out to provide care and attention to old people.
C3 aims at providing a satisfying life to senior citizens who are lonely and might be distanced from their near and dear ones for some reason or the other.

Medical Services :
Medical gadgets are available at C3 now on for instant service to our members free of cost: A) ECG machine B) Nebulizer machine C) Sugar Testing machine D) weight checking machine E) Oxygen F) Hospital cot G) Water Bed & Pressure bed.

Facilities
24 hours Lift
24 hours hot & cold water supply
24 hours free launderette
Worship / meditation zone.
Library with choice of books specially on philosophy, religion, daily newspapers, periodicals and magazines in different language to harbor a cosmopolitan ambience.
Entertainment in the form of radio, Multichannel TV, indoor games and classical/musical session once in a month.
Tours and outing synchronized with the best possible arrangements.
Routine medical checkups 2 to 3 times in month by 3 eminent Doctors.
Round the clock services from friendly attendants.

Criteria
Must be a lawful Senior Citizen or a Non-resident Indian living in India.
Age must be sixty plus.
Shall be accepted in the general society with high esteem.
Must be financially sound.

Old age home (D4)
About D4 :
D4 – A place open for all of those people seeking home to live peacefully & happily at their old ages. The name ‘D4’ was given by Guruji Thakur Sri Sri Bhajan Brahmachari Baba way back in 1990s. Guruji often expressed his feelings of making an Old Age Home. Thus, in 1997 [Sri Sukumar Bhattacharjee & Smt. Pratima Bhattacharjee] (disciples of Thakur Sri Sri Bhajan Brahmachari Baba) started ‘D4’ at our own residence. Since then with the blessings of Thakur Sri Sri Bhajan Brahmachari Baba they are trying to follow his path. They mainly focus on healthy foods & homely atmosphere in D4 . These two things ‘Healthy Foods’ & ‘Homely Atmosphere’ make the old-home members feeling like living at their own home.
Facilities

Hot Water during winter season for bathing, Doctor on call, 24-hours water supply, Puja & religious programs etc. D4 celebrates Pujas like Durga Puja, Annapurna Puja, Ratha Yatra, Lakshmi Puja, Kalpataru Utsav through which candidates could overcome their loneliness. State Bank, Allahabad Bank, Axis Bank, Ariadaha / Dakshineswar Post Office, Hospitals are not too far from D4. Candidates may go outside for a walk everyday or may visit Ganga River Stand, Adyapeath Mandir, Sarada Math, Kali Temple etc that are located within 10-15 minutes from D4.

Old age home (G8)
About G8
An old age home is somewhere where you go to live and be cared for in your old age. Its not for social obligations and for some people its a good place to be if you are old and lonely. G8 has been set up with the aim of providing home comforts and peace of mind to seniors seeking peace and calm. The home where you will find friends from different walks of life, with lives converging onto a common thread. The abode, where you can dwell in comfort, far away from loneliness and surrounded by activity and laughter, the place where you will have complete care, bonding and security. The Nibas where you can begin to derive a new meaning, a new understanding of life.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
A routine Medical Check up is made after every 15 days for every resident.
Individual care.
IN HOUSE FACILITIES
Daily/Weekly newspaper is organized for each resident
A LCD TV, is provided in the room of each resident
A sound box is provided in the room of each resident to hear spiritual songs.
Arrangement for a few in-door games.
Organizing for different kinds of social activities to be held occasionally.
Library for the resident’s use.
Tours/Trips are planned and organized according to the health of the resident.

PERSONAL CARE
Weekly arrangements are made for male residents for hair cutting and shaving and in case of ladies, hair dressing and manicure are granted once in every month.