Viable Interventions for Old Age Homes in Delhi: A Case Study

Institutional support for the older persons in the form of old age homes is a western concept. Although institutional care for the destitute has always existed in India but, for the elderly especially as an alternative living arrangement is a recent concept and a viable option. The requirements of institutionalization cannot be denied for those elderly who are neither able to manage their own affairs nor do they have any person to look after them. It also fulfils the affective needs of elderly to live with the same age group. Various stakeholders like NGOs, Welfare Department of the Government; Religious societies play an important role in establishment and effective management of these homes in providing facilities and services to the elderly. Old age homes offer a continuum of lifetime care for elderly with acess to various services including food, health, personal asssitance. This paper outlines the case studies of three Old Age Homes in terms of their provision of facilities and services. The paper tries to highlight some interventions that are being organised for the elderly. The findings suggest that there exist a vast scope of intervention that can be taken up at these homes for the welfare of the elderly people. The paper will suggest a roadmap for future need based interventions and activities that can be taken up for the elderly in these homes.