Dear Friends, It was honor to have been featured at Global Renowned and Esteem Alzheimer's Speaks Radio of Lori La Bey ' #Dementia In #India – Does It Look Like Other Countries? ' on 10th May 2016.
Today we are lucky to have Sailesh-Mishra from India with us. Sailesh is Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Silver innings® a community dedicated to Senior Citizens in India and A1 Snehanjali, Assisted Living Elder Care Home. Listen and learn what dementia care looks like in India.
(This article previously appeared on Kaiser Health News and NPR.)
When doctors told Robert Madison his wife had dementia, they didn’t explain very much. His successful career as an architect hardly prepared him for what came next.
“A week before she passed away her behavior was different, and I was angry because I thought she was deliberately not doing things,” Madison, now 92, told a group of nearly 200 students at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. “You are knowledgeable in treating patients, but I’m the patient, too, and if someone had said she can’t control anything, I would have been better able to understand what was taking place.”
Belle Likover recounted for the students how she insisted when her husband was dying of lymphoma that doctors in the hospital not make decisions without involving his oncologist. “When someone is in the hospital, they need an advocate with them at all times,” said Likover, who turns 96 next month. “But to expect that from families when they are in crisis is expecting too much. The medical profession has to address that.”
A Short Course on Life Over 90
Madison and Likover were among six people all over the age of 90 invited to talk to the second-year medical students this month. The annual panel discussion, called “Life Over 90,” is aimed at nudging students toward choosing geriatric medicine, the primary care field that focuses on the elderly. It is among the lowest-paid specialties, and geriatricians must contend with complex cases that are time consuming and are often not reimbursed adequately by Medicare or private insurance. And their patients can have diseases that can only be managed but never cured.
India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of elderly persons. As on 2010 an estimated 8% population i.e. 96 million people of the total population of India are Senior Citizens above age group of 60 years, of which over 1.5 million resides in Mumbai. Presently India has the 2nd largest population of Senior Citizens in the globe. According to UN by 2050 the population of 60 plus in India would likely go up to 20%.
The now fading joint family system and the Indian cultural values that preached reverence and service towards the elders had served a protective and secure net for the elderly. The advent of nuclear families and other factors like children migrating to cities or abroad for better career opportunities have brought out a range of issues like insecurity, loneliness and lack of companionship leaving the elders more vulnerable in their twilight years. Coping with old age is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in cities like Mumbai. Sadly young people now see senior citizens as a burden. The respect they once enjoyed in the joint family is slowly disappearing. The changed scenario has given rise to three major needs: social, health and financial security of Elderly.
For the net savvy individuals there are many networking sites and online portals to connect to people across the globe. At the same time, for many senior citizens in the city just a phone call to someone to listen to them when they are in distressed or feeling lonely is sufficient.
Only government servants are entitled to pension. This means that literally 70 per cent of the Indian population gets no pension, not even those who have worked in the corporate sector for 30 to 40 years. Most senior citizens are in unorganized sector and are either on their children’s or dependent on their savings or their provident fund and gratuity, whose value is shrinking by the day.
Elder Abuse / Crimes against senior citizens where they have been specifically targeted due to their helplessness have been on the increase in Mumbai. In most cases, the crime is committed by relatives or their own children. There has been an increase in violence against senior citizens by domestic help also.
To address issues related to senior citizens in Mumbai and to provide them relief, The Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust through MP Priya Dutt along with Dial ‘1298’ for Ambulance in association with Silver Inning Foundation, Help Age India , Harmony for Silvers Foundation & FESCOM launched a 24 x 7 Senior Citizen’s Referral Helpline.
The launch function was held on 10th May 2010 which was attended by Chief Guest Asha Parikh along with the guest of Honor D. Sivanandan, Ms Priya Dutt, Honorable Member of Parliament and Ms Sweta Mangal , CEO of Dial ‘1298’ for Ambulance service. The ‘1298’ Senior Citizen’s Helpline is working closely with prominent NGOs dealing with elderly citizens to act as a bridge between them. Any senior citizen requiring assistance can dial ‘1298’ from a landline or mobile which will connect them to a counselor who is available 24 x 7 to assist them and resolve their queries.
Nature of calls Most of the calls are related to Senior Citizens who have been harassed by their family members/ friends. Many cases are specifically related to legal and property maintenances.The above Graph shows the call trends.
Number of referral NGO’s Our calls are referred to following NGO’s: 1. Help Age India 2. Silver Inning Foundation 3. ‘1090’ Police Helpline 4. Dignity Foundation 5. AISCON : All India Senior Citizens Confederation 6. FESCOM: The Federation of Senior Citizens Organizations of Maharashtra 7. Harmony 8. Majlis 9. Lawyers Collective 10. Jeevan Dai Community Centre 11. Old Age Homes 12. Anand Rehabilitation Centre 13. BMC(Municipal corporation) Helpline 14. Moneylife Foundation 15. Sevasadan 16. Special Cell for Women and children
Case Studies:
Deserted Senior Citizen rescued One unknown lady from Bandra called at 1298 and share that she had seen one senior citizen staying on road since last 4 day. When that lady called it was raining heavily in Mumbai. 1298 Counsellor understood the problem and transfered the call to 1090 Police Helpline, immediately 1090 Police van arrived within 15 minutes at the location and took that lady to the Hospital and saved her life. The unknown lady who called for help called us again to convey her gratitude.
Home for Aged A senior citizen called at 1298 Senior Citizen’s Helpline to seek information regarding Old Age Homes in Mumbai. He was retired and living on monthly pension. His children were not looking after him so he wanted to stay at an old age home. After understanding the caller’s need, 1298 counselor gave him the various options for old age home to suit his preference. When the counselor made a follow up call she came to know that the person called few Old Age Homes in Mumbai but the matter didn’t materialize due to unavoidable reasons like cost factor and unavailability of rooms. But due to our consistent efforts he got staying arrangements at Manav Seva Sangh Vriddha Ashram in Virar. Our timely intervention was appreciated by the caller. Legal Help for Senior Citizens A senior citizen named Geeta (named changed) called up at ‘1298’ Senior Citizen’s Helpline to discuss her problem related to a legal matter. Geeta stays in Bandra but has an alternate house in her name in Vasai. She wanted to sale her house in Vasai but her brother in-law is troubling and not letting her to do the needful and claiming that the house belongs to him and his family. Our counselor directed Geeta to a private advocate for assistance. Geeta also visited sub-registrar’s office and sought guidance.
Elder Abuse 6 months ago, a 70 years old woman named Dakshaben (name changed) called Dial ‘1298’ Senior Citizens Helpline. Since Dakshaben was residing at Mira Road at that course of time we referred her Silver Inning Foundation (SIF) to her. Dakshaben called the in charge at Silver Innings Day Center and visited them and discussed her family problem in detail. Silver Inning Foundation found that Dakshaben is a widow and retired from Indian Navy. She has two sons, Dakshaben stays with her younger son and her elder son stays in Borivali. She had no financial problem as she gets monthly pension. Her problem lies in the relationship with her younger son’s family which has been staying with her since five years (her husband’s death). Dakshaben complained of the neglect and mental torture by her son and daughter in law. The initial help from NGOs, Mahila Samiti and local police didn’t lead to any success as the problems kept piling. Another problem was that Dakshaben was not very socially active, her day passed by being home most of the time. It was noticed that the problem of conflict between the family members was mostly in the evening and early morning when her son and his wife were at home after work. The staff tried to make peace with the family but Dakshben wanted the legal action. The staff explained her about the lengthy and costly judicial system. She was also told that as Maintenance of Senior Citizens and Parents Act is not in place in Maharashtra there was less chance of getting justice immediately. But she insisted to file a police complain so the staff arranged a meeting with Sr. Police Inspector. On the advice of police officer she filed a complaint which she withdrew in a day as she did not want her son and his family to be behind the bars. Under such a tricky situation Silver Inning's staff designed a plan to make Dakshaben active and involve her with Silver Inning’s weekly program. She was also encouraged to spend time with her friends and meditate. Within a month and after many sessions of counseling Dakshaben started attending and participating in weekly programs. Along with this she started attending Vipasana sessions at Igatpuri. She was actively involved in the awareness skit at ‘UMANG’ talent show of Elderly by Silver Innings. She was one of the star performers of the ‘UMANG’ 2010. Dakshaben is spending her idle time more productively and pays less attention to family problems. The smile on her face motivates us to reach out to more senior citizens.
Distress Call The Project Coordinator received a call from an unknown person who wanted to help an elderly couple Asha and Gopal (named changed) seeking help to rehabilitate them. Gopal who has not been keeping well off lately with one leg amputated and was on liquid diet. Since they didn’t have any children or relatives to take care of Gopal, the neighbors decided to rehabilitate Asha’s husband to an old age home where his health could be taken care off. Our coordinator contacted Jivan Adhar Seva Sanstha (working for homeless people) who agreed to put Gopal to OAH. When the staff came to pick up Gopal, he refused to leave as he didn’t want to leave his wife alone. After lot of pursual it was decided that a person from OAH will come daily to take care of Gopal. After a week we got to know that Gopal passed away at his home. Asha called 1298 to express the gratitude for our help and understanding late Gopal’s wish. Professional Care Taker Sometime back ‘1298’ Senior Citizen’s Helpline received a call from a man who wanted to seek guidance for his friend (Ashok) who wasn’t in good shape. Ashok (named changed) of 75 years old was unable to do any work as his physical health didn’t allow much at the same time his family also couldn’t do much to help him because of their own work. Ashok wanted to seek details of bureaus in Mumbai. Our counselor not only helped Ashok in understanding his case but also connected him with 2-3 bureaus in nearby locality. In Ashok is now happy and relieved as he got help from Bina Nursing Home.
About Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT): The Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT) was founded by the (Late) Padmashri Sunil Dutt in memory of his wife (Late) Smt. Nargis Dutt, with a prime objective of funding and helping patients suffering from cancer for whom good and timely medical treatment was a distant dream.Mr. Sunil Dutt worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that the Foundation undertook various fund raising drives, the proceeds of which were used to buy life saving diagnostic medical equipment, medicines, transfer of Technology and various other materials which were sent to specialized cancer hospitals across India for the benefit of patients being treated there. In the area of health- care NDMCT arranges medical camps and provides medical aid to the poor and needy. For the victims of Bihar Flood (in 2008) NDMCT organized a month long medical camp which treated nearly 30,000 families. NDMCT’s recent activity has been the “Platelet Donation Drive “at Tata Memorial Hospital. NDMCT has now diversified to the field of education as well, wherein we provide vocational training (like computer courses, adult literacy classes) and sponsorship fees to the students who are eager to study and learn. NDMCT has also partnered with FLY – Future Lies in iur Youth to prevent suicides among the student community.
About Dial 1298 for Ambulance:- Ziqitza Health Care Limited (ZHL) operates the Emergency Medical Response (Ambulance) Services : “Dial 1298 for Ambulance”: This model works on principle of cross subsidy wherein the Ambulances are owned by the ZHL and are made self sustainable by charging the end user a charge which differ basis on the choice of the destination Dial 1298 for Ambulance, is an initiative started by a group of young professionals with a high degree of social and public commitment with the primary objective of rolling out a nationwide network of Life Support Ambulance Service accessible to anyone, anytime and anywhere through an easy to remember four digit telephone number. The project has been setup in association with Lohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifndon Ambulance Service, a UK Government Agency, which has provided the processes, systems, protocols, training and project implementation assistance to 1298. “Dial 1298 for Ambulance” is an initiative to provide a network of Fully Equipped Advanced and Basic Life Support Ambulances 24 hours x 7 days a week. For more information visit www.zhl.org.in
About our Associates
About Silver Inning Foundation Silver Inning Foundation is registered NGO dedicated for the cause of Senior Citizens. It is part of social enterprise Silver Innings which hosts one of the most comprehensive and dedicated website for elderly &their family www.silverinnigs.com . Silver Innings is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.
About Help Age India HelpAge India is a national level secular, non-political, non-profit and non-government organization working for the cause and care of disadvantaged older persons. We endeavor to improve their quality of life and have been doing so for the last 31 years. The cause of the elderly needs attention because we are a society in transition with changing values, which has led to the breakdown of the joint family, resulting in lack of security for the elderly. We voice the needs of India’s 90 million (current estimate)“grey” population, and directly impact the lives of lakhs of elders through our services every year. Website: http://www.helpageindia.org/
About FESCOM The Federation of Senior Citizens Organizations' of Maharashtra ,Unifying and strengthening the comprehensive welfare activities of senior citizen and their organizations under one banner and leadership, and utilizing their precious knowledge, wide experience, wisdom, energy and skill for welfare of the society in general and Senior Citizen in particular. Website: http://www.fescom-for-sr-citizens.org.in/
About The Harmony for Silvers Foundation: The Harmony for Silvers Foundation is a non-government organization working to improve quality of life for everyone as they age. Harmony for Silvers Foundahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftion is a social initiative espouses the cause of promoting the interests of senior citizens in the country. The initiative has a three-tiered approach. We have set up our first Harmony Interactive Centre for Silvers Citizens in Girgaum, Thakurdwar. In addition we also run a magazine Harmony- Celebrate Age and a website-portal for Silver Citizens .Website: www.harmonyindia.org
Report of SIF 'Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011'
India is a vast country both in terms of area as well as population. It has a total area of 3,288,000 square kilometers. Its Total population as on 2001 was over 1 Billion.
India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of elderly persons.The disintegration of the joint family system and the emergence of nuclear families, has affected the care of the aged the most, Elderly today are the most ignored and neglected segment.
The population of aged people above 60 yrs as on 2010 was estimated at 96 million, i.e. around 8% of total population. According to UN the population of 60+ in 2050 will be around 20%.Life expectancy has increased 60% in last 60 years from 42yrs in 1950 to 69yrs in 2009.Today India has 2nd largest number of Elderly.There is sharp increase in population of Young Old 60yrs to 69 yrs and Old old 80+. Due to this demand and needs of various age groups have changed. Now it is time for civil society and government to rethink their strategy to address the needs of Senior Citizens.
This 'Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011' is one of the projects of SILVER INNING FOUNDATION (SIF). This online surveyhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for Senior Citizens will help us to understand their needs and devise much better programme & projects for the overall well being of our Elders.
This survey was conducted by Silver Inning Foundation (SIF) to assess the requirement and need of Senior Citizens from 1ST Feb 2011 to 31st March 2011. It was hosted on the Survey Site www.questionpro.com at the link: http://SIFBaselineSurveyofOnlineSeniorCitizen2011.questionpro.com
The questionnaire was online for about two month. Wide publicity was given to this survey in a large number of web groups, blogs, websites and by email to Senior Citizens associations, Federations etc.
A total of 646 persons viewed the Questionnaire; however only 231 ventured to answer. Four dropped out half way and their responses were ignored. Results below indicate the verdict of remaining 227 persons i.e. 98.27% (who started and completed).Results are given in Five sections and followed by detail report.
Brief is as following , for detail report see the attachment:
Question 1 What is your Age: 42.04% in Age group of 60yrs to 69 Yrs
Question 2 What is your Gender: Male 78.57%
Question 3 What is your Marital Status: Married 80.91%
Question 4 What is your major source of Income: Pension / Social Security 33.53% Question 5 How much Time you spend in a day on internet/computer: 1hour to 2 hour 31.70% Question 6 Which are the activity/activities you do on internet: Email 29.38% Question 7 What is your typical Daily Activity: Reading Newspaper 15.37% Question 8 What are your Hobbies: Internet/Computer 19.09%
Question 9 What Kind of Problems you often Face: Health 31.64%
Question 10 What kind of Programme/Project you want your club/organization/NGO to organize: Informative programme about health/legal/finance/religious etc 10.81%
Question B Top 5 Activities of Senior Citizens on Computer: 1. Email 2. Search 3. Facebook 4. You tube 5. Chatting
Question C Top 5 Daily activities of Senior Citizens: 1) Reading Newspaper 2) Watch TV 3) Sit on Computer/Internet 4) Exercise /Fitness 5) Interact with friends
Question D Top 5 Problems of Senior Citizens: 1. Health 2. Isolation/Loneliness 3. Monetary 4. Memory Loss 5. Neglect
Question E Top 5 Programme Senior Citizens wants from NGO’s / Organisation: 1. Informative programme about health/legal/finance/religious etchttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif 2. Volunteering Opportunity 3. Workshop / Seminar 4. Entertainment event 5. One Day Picnic
We Thank all the Senior Citizens and organization specially ‘Society for Serving Seniors (SSS Global)’ working for elderly for their participation and success of this Online National survey. We are confident this report will help Ngo’s, Senior Citizens Associations/Organisation, civil society and government to address the issues of Elderly.
The survey report was compiled by Sailesh Mishra, Founder President Silver Inning Foundation , NGO working with Elderly in India.
About Silver Inning Foundation (SIF): SIF is part of Social Enterprise Silver Innings which hosts one of the most comprehensive and dedicated website for elderly &their family www.silverinnigs.com . The vision, mission and goals of SIF are centered on creating and implementing services and programmes that are holistic in nature and address the need to acknowledge the much needed supportive environment that the elderly deserve. It looks at reintegrating the elderly into mainstream society and lives with dignity. Silver Innings is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.
Programme: Working session by Ms Dalal, on ‘How to be safe with your money’ Working session by Mr Basu, on ‘How to be smart with your money’ Q&A Tea & Snacks
Venue: 305, 3rd floor, Hind Service Industries Premises,Off Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai 400028 .Landmark: Chaithyabhoomi lane Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Registration is on a first—come—first—served basis!! Hurry up. Limited seats!
RSVP: Ms.Dione / Pritika 022- 2444 1058 mail@mlfoundation.in Silver Inning Foundation request all Senior Citizens to take advantage of this workshop.
A joint VIIIth Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Geriatrics and XV Biennial Conference of Association of Gerontology, India is being organized as INDIAN AGING CONGRESS - 2010 at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi ( India ) on 12th, 13th and 14th November, 2010.
Silver Inning Foundation has been writing to the ministry for more than month now for more clarification on new Review Committee fro NPOP(National Poicy of Older Person) and have also filed and RTI. But it’s sad a National ministry is not bothered. They dont even reply to email - no time I suppose.
MOSJE (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) is continuing is neglected to Senior Citizens of Indian and major organization. For the 11 years they just sat on NPOP and did nothing. Sr.Ctz. Maintenance Bill 2007 bill will go same way as many state have either not adopted/implemented/not understood.
NPOP was supposed to be best policy in the world. Yes now in 2010 there are some changes required, especially for young old, old old and very old & for destitute and poor elderly. But WHY NPOP is not yet adopted and not implemented.
What was the HURRY to appoint only 3/4 member committee for 90 million people, they have purposely ignored many important organization, gerontologist, geriatrics. The process was not transparent. They have not consulted The Parliamentary standing committee & The National council for Older Person ignored. They have not asked the views of common man though newspaper and website.
For 19th March meeting they did sent invite on 15th March and also not send Invite to many people listed in the list of invites.Invite not sent to following – its insult to people like Prop.Ramamurthi and Prof Siva Raju:
Prof.Ramamurti
Prof Siva Raju
Tina Ambani
Sailesh Mishra
In the list of Expert Invited some important people are omitted:
Dr.Jacob Roy
Dr. Radha Murthy
Dr. Abha Choudhary
Dr.A.B.Dey
Dr.K.L.Shrama
Dr.O.P.Sharma
Mr.Sugan Bhatia
Prof.Indira Jai Prakash
We once again insist and demand expansion of Review committee and a action plan. We should not in any way hurry to make a National policy again and not implement it for again next 14 years.
Firsts lets find out the gaps in policy, why it was not adopted, why it was not implemented, why no other intra ministry supports or is not aware of NPOP and what are the difficulties of the states.
Also its seen MOSJE is not capable of handling this EXTRA load of ‘ Senior Citizens’ , the dept handling Ageing is loaded with number of ‘important work’ and Seniors are just not in the radar. MOSJE has been neglecting and abusing our elderly for long. Proposal sanctioned under ‘ Integrated Programme for older Person’are in trouble as its learnt MOSJE has now canceled all earlier sanction.
It’s enough. We need to have Separate Ministry or State minister or National Commission (online of Women commission and many others) .
Let’s not fall in trap of MOSJE policy of Divide & Rule , ministry is just playing with the sentiments and life of our elderly. There is 100% lack of political will and social commitment for elderly, as elderly don’t form ‘their’ VOTE bank.
Let’s UNITE and fight for the right of Elderly. Let’s set aside our personal agenda and work together for welfare of our elderly.
Why not we as civil society make a policy and give to government, why not first implement the original policy with some changes.
Why not have a National and State Forums of people working with Elderly.
Do we have to depend on Government ?Can’t we have united programmes , action plan.
Let’s lobby and do advocacy for the welfare of our Senior Citizens. Let’s bring justice to our Elderly.
Can all organization write a letter to 700 MP’S in India, lets flood them. Lets write to UN and WHO about India government attitude and policy of neglect towards elderly.
Government of India has fooled UN Assembly about its statement on Ageing and its dares all UN body and Senior Citizens towards its policy of neglect and abuse of Senior Citizens.
Let’s not ignored important organization and departments:
Some of Important NGO's /Organization which have been ignored from Review Committee are:
AISCCON - All India Senior Citizens Confederation
Association of Gerontology (India) (AGI)
NDIAN GERONTOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Society for Serving Seniors
Alzheimer's and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI)
Harmony For Silvers Foundation
International Longevity Center - India ( ILC-I)
Nightingale Medical Trust
Silver Inning Foundation
Center for Research on Ageing, Dept of Psychology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
GERIATRIC SOCIETY OF INDIA
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse , India(INPEA)
Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH)
University of Third Age , U3A India
The All India Central Government Pensioners Association
Bharat Pensioners’ Samaj
All India Central Confederation of Pensioner Association
Agewell Foundation
Anugraha India
Indian Academy of Geriatrics
Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWRF)
Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH)
The Family Welfare Agency
All India State Government Social Welfare Dept / Senior Citizens Dept
S & T ministry
Some Professional Organisation ignored like:
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Financial expert
Legal expert
WHO
UN
Nursing Council
IGNOU
Indian Council of Social Science Research
IIPS
TISS (Tata Institute of Social Science)
Medical Council of India
Indian Medical Association
NIMHANS
Important Universities
Its shame that since last 11 years MOSJE does not knows about this important organization or they just behave ignorance, we can provide contact details of all the above if they require.
Elder Abuse Hurts, together we can prevent abuse of our Elderly
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