OLD AGE HOME
Karunya Care Home for the Destitute Senior Citizens.
India has acquired the label of an ageing nation with 7.7 percent of its population being more than 60 years of old. 75 percent of elderly persons are living in rural areas. Due to changing family structure and modernization, elderly population are facing inevitable challenges to live their lives respectfully. Due to reduced mobility and debilitating disabilities, elderly people need continual assistance from other people to take care of their basic needs. On the other hand, lack of concern from kith and kin, loneliness, negligence, abandonment, age related illness and lack of treatment, etc. are the most treacherous conditions which elderly are facing in the society at present. The problem of elderly abuse cannot be solved if the essential needs of elderly people like food, shelter, security and health care are not met. It could be addressed by establishing a care home especially for the destitute elderly people that will fulfil their basic needs. The Joy Bharath Foundation is looking to set-up such a care home commonly known as Old Age Home, for a minimum of 30 deserving elderly people, in collaboration with a local charitable organization, Social Welfare Society based in Guntur.
GEO-LOCATION.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC situation.
The traditional Indian society with an age-old joint family has been instrumental in safeguarding the social and economic security of the elderly people. The elderly people have always been treated with great respect and occupied a prominent position in the family. The younger generation in search of jobs and daily work is increasingly migrating from rural to urban areas leaving the elderly at home to fend for themselves. The change of family structure with emergence of nuclear family set-ups in recent years is another factor that leaves the elderly to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity.
As a result, elderly people are forced to work for their survival till their death in spite of their sickness and invalidity. Most end up in absolute destitution in the last years of their lives when they have neither the capacity nor the ability to work. This undermines their dignity and self-respect, but also exposes them to increased risk of exploitation, abuse and further impoverishment. It could be addressed by establishing a care giving home especially for this destitute helpless elderly people that will be dedicated solely to meet their needs.
SOLUTION.
Establishing an Elderly Care Home open to everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed and language, as a joint venture between Joy Bharath Foundation and Social Welfare Society to be called as Karunya Care Home for the Destitute Senior Citizens.
PROJECT COST.
Opening Karunya Care, elderly care home to everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed and language would cost around ₹1,29,90,500.00 ($188,268.00). Any small or big contribution to realize this most urgent and relevant Project is deeply appreciated.
