20 MAY 2021

HELPLINE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

The Social Justice Ministry has set up a toll free number 14567 for Senior Citizens in order to address the problems of senior citizens in the context of surging Covid pandemic.

 The ‘Elderline’ would be operational by the end of May in all states in the country.

The facility is already operational in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana.

Moreover, the Government has issued guidelines for the care to be given to senior citizens during the pandemic.

The elderly are more vulnerable and adequate measures are to be taken.  Instructions are already given to all caregivers and NGOs in the country.

 There are more than 440 NGOs working for the elderly and they are managing more than 600 Elder Homes in the country.

Elderly care should emphasize the social, cultural and personal requirements of the senior citizens who wish to live with dignity.