Kudumbasree to begin geriatric care services

Kudumbasree will soon take up geriatric care through its scheme, Harsham, under which the agency will provide elderly care services by trained personnel.

Ninety people selected from among the Kudumbasree ranks will be inducted into a 15-day residential training programme in Kannur and Kozhikode beginning April 30, to enable them to work as elderly care providers.

The training programme is being conducted with the assistance of Health Action by People and Hindustan Latex Family Planning and Promotion Council, with funding from Kerala Accredited Skill Agency. Kudumbasree is aiming to bring out a brigade of 1,000 elderly care providers this year and find work for them.

Consumers can ensure the service under Harsham round the clock through call centres or online.

Wage structure

The wages will be fixed in proportion to the period of service. Kudumbasree’s service will be provided after checking the profile of the client.

Though the government is attempting to provide palliative care services through local bodies, there is shortage of trained care providers in the sector, with many unable to avail themselves of care services as required. Through Harsham, Kudumbasree should be able to help the government by recruiting more women as care providers, a statement issued by Kudumbasree said.