old age homes at kannur - a study

1.1 Introduction

The ageing of population is an obvious consequence of the process of

demographic transition. While the countries of the west have already experienced

and have planned for their elderly population, it is only in the last one and half

decades that countries in Asia too are facing a steady growth of the elderly, as a

result of the decline in fertility and mortality, better medical and health care and

improvements in the overall quality of life of people.

Within Asia, as India and China are the two largest countries in the region, it

is expected that they would have a significant proportion of the world’s elderly

because of their large population base. India like many traditional societies, today

faces a unique situation in providing care for its elderly as the existing old-age

support structures in the form of family, kith and kin, are fast eroding and the

elderly are ill-equipped to cope alone with their lives in the face of infirmity and

disability.

The cost of living and scanty return on savings have almost pushed the

senior citizens on roads. Life Expectancy is steadily increasing, but cities are no

longer safe nor do friendly neighbor a certainty. The onus of caring for the elderly

is therefore now much more on the state than the family and will necessitate the

creation of adequate institutional support.

The western countries have a fairly well organized network of institutions

for the care of the elderly, the growth and development of these facilities in India

still remains inadequate. The Central and State governments still play only a very

negligible role in providing care to the deprived sections of society. The South

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Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have together 57% of all old age homes.

These states have witnessed emigration of young people in large numbers to

Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. This has resulted in people being now more

affluent but having no one to care for them.

Elders have started walking out of their own home in search of a journey

that promises peace, joy and celebration of life with a group of people who share

the same boat of life. However not many rather none of them receive it.

Townships and residential colonies exclusively for senior citizens are now

coming up in the state where they can relocate and spend the sunset of their lives

without bothering about paying electricity bills, cooking and getting prompt

medical care.

Even though Kannur is not a big city there has been a tremendous increase

in the number of old age homes. Hence an attempt was made to study the

management of old age homes in Kannur.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

There has been a progressive increase in both the number and proportion of

the old age homes in India over the last two decades. As of 2006, Kerala State led

the rest of the country with more than 420 old age homes, followed by Tamil Nadu

and Maharashtra .One out of every 12 old age homes in India is located in Kerala.

Kannur, one among the northern districts of the state,ranks second with

respect to the source of emigrants from the state to Gulf countries. Kannur like

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many traditional societies, today faces a unique situation in providing care for its

elderly as the existing old-age support structures in the form of family, kith and

kin, are fast eroding and the elderly are ill-equipped to cope alone with their lives

in the face of infirmity and disability.

Therefore there is an urgent need to examine the various aspects of this new

and fast growing population of old age homes and to understand the management

of the financial, infrastructural and other aspects related to the Management of Old

Age Homes in Kannur.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To understand the functioning of the old age homes with regards to their

service provision.

To examine the various aspects of management of an old age home.

To know the level of satisfaction of the inmates with regards to the services

and facilities provided by the old age homes.

To identify the various problems faced by the old age homes

To provide suggestions based on the findings of the study.

1.4 Sample Design

As per the Department of Social Welfare, Kannur there are a total of 22 old

age homes in Kannur. Out of which a sample of 18 old age homes were selected.

The 18 old age homes covered for the study are as follows:

SOLACE, Kannur

SWANDHANAM, Azhikode

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Govt. Old Age Home, Azhikode

AMALA BHAVAN, Chova

PRATHYUSHA BHAVAN, Chova

ST’ LUKES, Muriyan Thodu, Taliparamba

ST’ JOSEPHS, Muthalapara, Taliparamba

MARIA BHAVAN, Kuthuparamba

SNEHA NIKETHAN, Palaparamba, Kuthuparamba

BADHANIYA BHAVAN, Kolayad, Kuthuparamba

DEVADHAN CENTRE, Kolayad, Kuthuparamba

SNEHA BHAVAN, Aalachery, Kuthuparamba

SNEHA BHAVAN, Aalachery, Kuthuparamba

SNEHA BHAVAN, Kootupuzha

SNEHA BHAVAN, Edoor

SNEHA BHAVAN, Thundi

SNEHA BHAVAN, Charal

SNEHA BHAVAN, Nellikutti

For knowing the level of satisfaction of the inmates towards the services

provided by the old age homes 100 inmates were randomly selected.

1.5 Methodology

For the study both primary and secondary data has been used. The primary

source of data was collected by means of interactions with The Officer of the

Department of Social Welfare, Kannur. The group also interacted with the

heads/managers, the Warden and the inmates of the Old age Homes in Kannur.

Secondary data were collected from Government records, other published

sources like journals, periodicals, brochures & websites.

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1.6 Tools for Data Collection

Data was obtained using a structured interview schedule and a questionnaire.

The Officer of District Welfare Office, Kannur and the warden and inmates of

various old age homes were contacted personally to get the necessary data related

to the study.

1.7 Tools for Data Analysis

Simple percentage method was used for the analysis of data. Pie charts, bar

charts etc. were used for data presentation.

1.8 Chapter Scheme

The first chapter which is the introduction and the design of the study

includes the introduction, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, sample

design, methodology, tools for data collection, tools for data analysis, and chapter

scheme.

The second chapter gives a brief description of the Literature Survey.

The third chapter gives a brief description of Theoretical Framework of old

age homes.

The fourth chapter gives a brief description of the analysis and interpretation

of the study.

The fifth chapter states the findings, suggestions and conclusion of the study.

A number of studies have been done in this area some of which are been summarized below:

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1. According to the study 'Ageing in India' prepared for WHO by Dr Indira Jai

Prakash Professor of Psychology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India, the UN

defines a country as ‘ageing’ where the proportion of people over 60 reaches 7 per

cent. By 2025 India is expected to be an ageing country. In recent years, in large

cities relatively well-to-do people are considering living in special condominiums

built for older people. In metropolitan cities, senior housing projects with medical

and recreational facilities are being promoted by construction companies.

The study also states that the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu

have together 57% of all old age homes. Kerala has the highest number of old age

homes in India. These states have witnessed emigration of young people in large

numbers to Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. People are now more affluent but

have no one to care for them.

The study also emphasized on the examination of culturally relevant

strategies for improving the wellbeing of elderly people. Indian culture has

inherently several elder friendly values and practices which need to be reinforced.

Importing a western model of care for elderly people is likely to be costly in a

country that can ill afford such initiatives. As per the study working in close

collaboration with international agencies is one way of learning from models that

have been used in other countries and adapting those best suited to the socio-

cultural milieu of India.

2. A Survey of Old Age Homes and Inmates in Kerala by S. Irudaya Rajan, Centre

for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram shows that during the past two

decades, there was a rapid expansion in the number of old age homes in the

country. Like this Kerala has also witnessed the development of more old age

homes at a rapid rate. As of 2006, Kerala State led the rest of the country with

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more than 420 old age homes, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. One out

of every 12 old age homes in India is located in Kerala. It has been mentioned that

the emigration of youth to other places has forced many to stay in an old age home.

The number of inmates at the old age homes in Kerala is increasing at very high

rate when compared to the last decade.

3. The study by Winfried Saup on the topic “Lack of Autonomy in Old-Age

Homes: A Stress and Coping Study” focuses on relationships between lack of

autonomy in old-age homes and the link between this and subjective stress, coping

strategies and depression among residents of such homes. The study describes the

characteristics of the old-age home environment independently from the view point

of its residents. One of the major findings of the study has been that in institutions

with greater autonomy residents show more problem-focused coping behavior in

stress-situations, whereas in old-age homes with reduced autonomy residents

prefer a cognitive strategy.

4. A study by Vicky Stergiopoulos on the topic “Old and Homeless: A Review and

Survey of Older adults Who Use Shelters in an Urban Setting” states that although

seniors represent a small percentage of the homeless population, their numbers are

growing. The homeless elderly are the most vulnerable of this impoverished

population. Although more research is needed to define their mental and physical

health needs and ways of meeting them, their characteristics appear to be unique.

Geriatric psychiatrists could play a significant role in evaluating and treating this

population more comprehensively.

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Old age may mean different things in different cultures. In some

societies Seniority may bring high status and in some it may mean a time of

relative relaxation and freedom from worry. In others old age is linked to life stage

or generation and may or may not be something to look forward to. The dream of

the people all over the world to live long lives is now becoming a reality due to the

socio-economic development of people and advancement in sciences, particularly

medical sciences.

Old age for the purpose of our study is defined as “a period in the life

course when collective social support of some kind becomes essential because of

advancing years”. In most gerontological literature, people above 60 years of age

are considered as ‘old’ and as constituting the ‘elderly’ segment of the population.

In modern India, retirement age is fixed at 55 in state Government jobs, and

60 years in the Central Government jobs. For all practical purposes people above

60 are considered to be ‘senior citizens’. In academic research, retirement age is

often taken as an index of aged status. Chronological age of 55 or 60 is considered

as the beginning of old age. In India about 7.5% of the population is above 60

years and the life expectancy is increasing gradually.

An old age home has been defined as a Institution which provides physical,

social, psychological and economic support for the aged.

Old Age Homes in India

Development of institutional care for the handicapped, infirm and aged

persons in India has a long history. The first old age home in India is supposed to

have been started in the early 18th century but information is available only from

1782.

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Old age was never a problem in India. Old age homes were alien in

concept and elder abuse was considered a Western problem. Not anymore. As life

expectancy has increased from 41 years in 1951 to 64 years today, hundreds of old

age homes have sprung up in India. Neglect of parents has become a big issue, so

much so that the Indian government has passed "The maintenance and welfare of

parents and senior citizens bill 2006", which makes it imperative for adult children

to look after their parents.

As of 1998, there were 728 Old Age Homes in India. Detailed information

about 547 of these is available. Out of these, 325 homes are free of cost while 95

old age homes are on pay & stay basis, 116 homes have both free as well as pay &

stay facilities and 11 homes have no information. A total of 278 old age homes all

over the country are available for the sick and 101 homes are exclusively for

women. Kerala had 124 old age homes which is the maximum in any state.

Today such services are provided mainly by non-governmental agencies,

particularly the religious charitable organizations. Today's "post-retirement

complexes" have a whole range of built-in facilities like 24 hour medical service, a

book-shop, bank and post office facilities etc. Some of the high-end complexes

also offer open theaters, trips to places of common interest etc for their inmates.

But these are only for the elite section of the aged who have the resources to enjoy

such facilities.

As the role of families as a social safety net for the elderly is fast eroding,

the poor among the elderly have become the most vulnerable sections of society in

India. The Central and State governments still play only a very negligible role in

providing care to the deprived sections of society. But the Indian government is

waking up to meet this challenge head on. At present over 500 NGO's are given

grant-in-aid to provide services like old age homes, day care centers, medical

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facilities etc. for the aged. The Delhi-based International Federation on Aging has

been campaigning for free health care for senior citizens; decrease in the age limit

for pension; a bigger, respectable living allowance; change in the eligibility criteria

so that even if the combined family income is Rs.8,000 the senior citizen is entitled

to pension, creation and implementation of a social security scheme and so on.

Old age homes are a necessity in the present day scenario as the younger

generation do not have the time or in many cases the resources to meet their needs

(like medical expenses, special food etc). But old age homes should be considered

only as a secondary option. Elders in the family are definitely an asset. It is they

who can impart the much needed ethical values and code of conduct in the younger

generation. Old age homes as an option should be considered only for the

betterment of the senior citizens by way of better physical and mental status,

greater possibility for social bonding etc. Under no pretext should the aged be

made to feel that they are a burden and hence turned away. Builders can also

consider allocating a few houses for the senior citizens within an integrated

township (at subsidized rates), so that the feeling of isolation goes away while

proximity to dear ones is maintained.

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Data collected from the Management of Old age Homes in Kannur

Table No. 4.1

Year of EstablishmentYears No. of Institutions Percentage

2004-‘08 2 11.11

2000-‘04 6 33.33

1996-‘00 4 22.22

1992-‘96 3 16.67

Before 1992 3 16.67

Total 18 100

Source: Primary data

INTERPRETATION:From the above table it can be seen that 33.33% of the old age homes in Kannur have been established during the period 2000 – 2004 while 22.22% of the homes have been established during the period 1996-2000.16.67% each of the institutions were established before the year 1992 and also during the period 1992-96. The remaining 11.11% of the institutions were established during the period 2004-2008.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the institutions were established during the period 2000-2004.

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Chart No. 4.1

Year of Establishment


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Table No. 4.2

Management

Particulars No. of Institutions Percentage

Charitable Trust 2 11.11

Religious 15 83.33

Government 1 5.56

Others 0 0

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that 83.33% of the old age homes in Kannur are managed by religious organizations, 11.11% of the old age homes are managed by charitable trusts. Only 5.56% of the institutions are managed by the government.Hence it can be concluded that majority of the old age homes in Kannur are managed by religious organizations

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Chart No. 4.2

Management


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Table No. 4.3

Initial Investment

Capital(in 1000’s) No. of Institutions Percentage

20-40 1 5.56

40-60 7 38.89

60-80 4 22.22

80-100 2 11.11

100-120 3 16.67

120-140 1 5.56

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that 38.84%of the old age homes started with an initial investment of Rs. 40000 to Rs.60000. 22.22% of the old age homes started with an investment of Rs.60000 to Rs.80000, 16.67% %of the old age homes have started with an investment of Rs 100000 to Rs.1200000, 5.56 % each of the old age homes started with an investment of Rs.12000 to Rs.140000, and also of Rs.1200000-

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Rs.1400000.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes have an initial investment between Rs.40000 to Rs.60000.

Chart No. 4.3

Initial Investment


.

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Table No. 4.4

Average Monthly Expenses

Average monthly expenses(in

1000’s)

No. of Institutions Percentage

20-40 7 38.88

40-60 2 11.11

60-80 2 11.11

80-100 1 5.56

100-120 2 11.11

120-140 1 5.56

140-160 3 16.67

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:The table reveals that 38.88% of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense between Rs 20,000 to Rs.40000 , 16.67%% of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense between Rs 140,000 to Rs.160000. 11.11% of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense between Rs 40,000 to Rs.80000 and also between Rs.100000 to Rs.120000. Only 5.56%

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each of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense of Rs 80,000 to Rs.100000 and also of Rs.120000 to Rs.140000.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expenses between Rs 20,000 to Rs.40,000.

Chart No. 4.4

Average Monthly Expenses


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Table No. 4.5

Inmates of Old Age Homes


Males only 5 27.78

Females only 8 44.44

For Both 5 27.78

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that 44.44% of the old age homes are exclusively for female inmates. 27.7% of the old age homes in kannur are meant for male.While remaining 27.7% of the old age homes are meant for both male and female.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes are exclusively for female inmates.

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Chart No. 4.5

Inmates of Oldage Homes


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Table No. 4.6

Number of Inmates

No. of Inmates No. of Institutions Percentage

0-20 3 16.67

20-40 6 33.33

40-60 2 11.11

60-80 2 11.11

80-100 0 0

100-120 2 11.11

120-140 2 11.11

140-160 1 5.56

Total 18 100

Sources: Primary data

INTERPRETATION:

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The table shows that 33.33% old age homes have 40 to 60 inmates, 16.67% of old age homes have below 20 inmates, 11.11% old age homes have inmates in the range of 40 to 60. 11.11% of the old age homes have inmates in the range of 60 to 80, 100 to 120 and 120 to 140 inmates. Only 5.56% of old age homes have 140 to 160 inmates. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes have 20 to 40 inmates.

Chart No. 4.6

Number of Inmates


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Table No. 4.7

Male Inmates

No. of Inmates No. of Institutions

0-20 4

20-40 1

40-60 1

60-80 1

80-100 0

100-120 2

120-140 1

Total 10


INTERPRETATION:From the table it could be understood that 4 old age homes have male inmates less than 20. Two old age homes are having male inmates between 100 and 120. One

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old age home each is accommodating male inmates between 20 to 40, 40 to 60, 60 to 80 and 120 to 140.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes are accommodating male inmates less than 20 in number.

Chart No. 4.7

Male Inmates


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Table No. 4.8

Female Inmates

No. of Inmates No. of Institutions

0-20 3

20-40 6

40-60 1

60-80 1

80-100 1

100-120 0

120-140 0

140-160 1

Total 13


INTERPRETATION:

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The table shows that 6 old age homes are having female inmates between 20 and 40. Three old age homes are having inmates below 20. One old age home in Kannur is accommodating more than 140 female inmates. One old age home each is accommodating female inmates between 40 to 60, 60 to 80, 80 to 100 and 140 to 160.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes in Kannur is accommodating female inmates between 20 and40.

Chart No. 4.8

Female Inmates


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Table No. 4.9

Ownership of Land and Building

Owned/ Rent No. of Institutions Percentage

Owned 16 88.89

Rent 2 11.11

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:From the table it can be revealed that 88.89% of old age homes are having their own land and building and only 11.11% of old age homes are functioning in rented

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buildings.Hence it can be inferred that majority of old age homes have their own land and building.

Chart No. 4.9

Land and Building


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Table No. 4.10

Availability of facilities and Services

Facilities and Services

No. of Institutions Percentage

Vehicle 9 50

Telephone 18 100

Library/ Reading room

17 94.44

Recreation 18 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that all the old age homes have telephone and recreation facility. 94.4% of the old age homes are having Library/Reading room facility. It is also

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seen that only 50% have vehicle facility. Hence we can draw the conclusion that all the old age homes have telephone facility and recreation facility.

Table No. 4.11

Manpower employed at Old age Homes

No. of people

Food preparation & Distribution

23

Administration 9

Watchmen 6

Nursing care 6

Others 11

Total 55


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INTERPRETATION:From the table it could be inferred that 23 workers are employed for food preparation and distribution. 9 workers are employed in Administration Department. 6 workers are employed for nursing care and as watchmen. And 11 workers are employed for other work.Hence it can be inferred that majority are employed for food preparation and distribution work.

Table No. 4.12

Financial Aid from Government


Govt. aided/ Owned

10 55.56

Non aided 8 44.44

Total 18 100


INTERPRETATION:From the above table we can conclude that 55.56% of the old age homes are receiving grants from the Government. 44.44% of old homes are not getting financial aid from the government.So it can be inferred that majority of old age homes are Government aided institutions.

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Chart No. 4.10

Financial Aid from Government


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Sources of Income:

Multiple sources of funding have been reported by all institutions. The major sources of funds are donations made by:

Individuals Organizations Religious Organization

Table No. 4.13

Growth of Old Age Homes in Kannur

Year Total no. of Institutions

Before 2000 10

After 2000 18


INTERPRETATION:

From the table we can see that, before 2000 there were only 10 old age homes in kannur and after the year 2000 the number has increased to 18.Hence it can be inferred that there has been 80% increase in the number of old age homes in Kannur.

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Chart No. 4.11

Growth of Old Age Homes in Kannur


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Data collected from Inmates

Table No. 4.14

Age of Inmates

Age No. of Inmates

50 – 60 19

60 – 70 51

70+ 30

Total 100


INTERPRETATION:From the table it can be see that 51 inmates are belonging to the age group of 60 & 70 years. Thirty inmates are belonging to the age group of above 70 years. It is also seen that 19 inmates are belonging to the age group of 50 and 60 years. Hence it

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can be inferred that majority of the inmates are belonging to the age group of 60 & 70 years.

Chart No. 4.12

Age of Inmates

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Table No. 4.15

Marital Status of Inmates

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Particulars No. of Inmates Percentage Married 40 40

Not married 60 60

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that 60% of the inmates are not married and 40% of the inmates were married. Hence it can be concluded that majority of the inmates are not married.

Chart No. 4.13


Table No. 4.16

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Educational Qualification of the Inmates

Educational Qualification

No. of inmates Percentage

Illiterate 10 10

Primary 23 23

Upper Primary(middle)

39 39

High school 19 19

Above High school 9 9

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:From the table it is can be seen that 39% of the inmates are having upper primary (middle) level education. 23% of the inmates are found to have primary level education. 19% of the inmates are having high school level education. 9% of the inmates are found to have above high school level education. 10% of the inmates are found to be illiterate. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are having upper primary level education.

Chart No. 4.14

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Educational attainment of Inmates


Table No. 4.17

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Occupation last held by the Inmates

Occupation last held No. of Inmates Percentage

Professional/Executive 3 3

Agriculture 14 14

Clerk/Teacher etc. 5 5

House wife 30 30

Labourer 36 36

Unemployed 12 12

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:The table shows that 36 % of the inmates were labourer and 30% of the inmates were house wives. It is also seen that 14% of the inmates were farmers and 12% of the inmates were unemployed. 5% of the inmates were teachers/clerks and 3% of the inmates were executives. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmate’s were labourers.

Chart No. 4.15

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Last occupation of the Inmates


Table No. 4.18

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Source of Income of the Inmates

Particulars No. of Inmates Percentage

Yes 13 13

No 87 87

Total 100 100Source: Primary data

INTERPRETATION:From the table it can be seen that 87% of the inmates are not having any source of income. Only 13% of the inmates are having an independent source of income.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are not having any source of income.

Chart No. 4.16

Source: Primary dataTable No. 4.19

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Duration of stay in Old age home

Duration(years) No. of Inmates Percentage

< 1 year 4 4

1-2 years 14 14

3-5 years 38 38

6-10 years 27 27

11-15 years 15 15

16+ years 2 2

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:From the table it is seen that 38% of the inmates have been staying at the old age homes for a period of 3 to 5 years. 27 % of the inmates have been there for a period of 6 to 10 years. 15% of the inmates have been staying for a period of 11 to 15 years. 14% of the inmates are found to be staying in an old age home for a period between 1 to 2 years. 4% of the inmates have been staying there for a period less than 1 year and 2% of the inmates have been staying there for a period more than 16 years. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates have been staying at the old age home for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Chart No. 4.17

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Duration of stay in old age home


Table No. 4.20

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Are the Inmates having Health problems?

Health problems No. of Inmates Percentage

Yes 72 72

No 28 28

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:

From the above table it can be seen that 72% of the inmates are having health problems and 28% of the inmates are not having any health problems. Hence it can be concluded that majority of the inmates are affected by various health problems.

Chart No. 4.18


Table No. 4.21

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Satisfaction level of the Inmates

Satisfied or not No. of Inmates Percentage

Yes (satisfied) 11 11

No (not satisfied) 89 89

Total 100 100


INTERPRETATION:

From the table and chart it can be seen that the majority of the inmates are satisfied with their stay at the old age home. It is seen that 89% of the inmates are satisfied with the services and facilities that they get from the old age homes. 11% of the inmates are found to be unsatisfied with their stay at the old age homes.

Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are satisfied with their stay at the old age homes.

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Chart No. 4.19

Satisfaction level of the Inmates


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FINDINGS

• Majority of the old age homes in Kannur were established during the period 2000-2004.

• It has been found that most of the old age homes are managed by the religious organizations like Christian Missionaries.

• Govt. managed old age homes are very few in number when compared to that others.

• Majority of the old age homes had an initial investment of Rs.40000 to Rs.60000.

• Most of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense of Rs 20,000 to Rs.40,000.

• Most of the old age homes are meant exclusively for female inmates.

• Most of the old age homes are having inmates in the range of 20 to 40.

• Majority of the old age homes are accommodating male inmates of less than 20.

• Old age homes in Kannur are accommodating female inmates of 20 to 40.

• Most of the old age homes have their own land and building.• All the old age homes are having telephone facility and recreation facility.

• Most of the old age homes employ workers for food preparation and distribution work. It has been found that work in the kitchen and supervision require only limited formal education.

• But geriatric nursing care needs special training. • Most of the old age homes are Government aided institutions. • There has been an 80% increase in the number of old age homes in Kannur.• Most of the inmates of the old age homes are belonging to the age group of

60 & 70 years.

• 70% of the old age homes are getting grants from the Govt. But these grants are found to be inadequate.

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• In many of the old age homes, inmates are not charged for their maintenance and admission.

• Main source of funds for these institutions were found to be donations by individuals, organizations etc.

• Most of the inmates are unmarried.

• Most of the inmates are having upper primary level education.

• Majority of the inmates are not having any source of income.

• The inmates staying at the old age homes have been staying there for a period of 3 to 5 years.

• More than 70% of the inmates are affected by various health problems.

• Majority of the inmates are satisfied with their stay at the old age homes.

• Many youngsters have moved to places far away from their native homes and in the recent past to many countries abroad. So even if they want to they cannot accommodate their parents in their own homes.

• Elders who have been in control of the household for a long time are unwilling to give up the responsibility to their children. There arise a generation gap and finally the old parents will get admitted in old age homes.

• Urbanization, modernization and Globalization have led to changes in economic structure, erosion of societal values and the weakening of social institutions such as the joint family. The traditional sense of duty and obligation of the younger generation towards their older generation is being eroded. As a result there has been an increase in the old age homes.

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SUGGESTIONS

Training needs to be imparted to the different levels of gerontological workers so that they take care of the elderly.

Proper monitoring of the work of old age homes and NGO's involved in gerontological work needs to be done by the government.

There seems to be a need to initiate and maintain networking among institutions and individuals involved in gerontological work.

Government needs to provide more assistance in the form of funds to these organisations.

It is not enough for the youngsters merely to provide money for the elders. It is more important to show them affection and respect. Domestic problems could be discussed with the elders. It is not necessary to always accept what they say, but the elders should feel that they are respected. This prevents a conflict between them and the youngsters.

Kannur should concentrate on special geriatric training to take care of the elderly; incidentally it generates additional employment opportunities for women. As the growth of old age homes and elderly are on the increase, we could naturally expect some gains in the employment front.

Private organizations and individuals as part of Corporate Social Responsibility need to share with the less fortunate by contributing towards the homes for the aged and other social welfare organisations

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CONCLUSION

In India there are millions of people who belong to the elder population and who can be divided roughly into two categories. On the one side we have those who have both worked and saved all their lives or are otherwise financially comfortable and can afford to take it easy. On the other hand we have those who sadly are still forced to work to earn and fend for themselves. Living arrangements of older people are influenced by several factors such as gender, health status, and presence of disability, socio-economic status and societal traditions.

Generations of older Indians have found shelter in the extended family system during crises, be these social, economical or psychological. However, the traditional family is fast disappearing, even in rural areas. With urbanization, families are becoming nuclear, smaller and are not always capable of caring for older relatives. Old people are been sent to old age homes.

Though the old-age homes provide the inmates with all the basic essentials of food, clothing and shelter, the inmates seem to require more of compassion and care. From the study of the management of old age homes in Kannur it has been seen that old age homes have been able to provide services and facilities for a large number of people. But the numbers are increasing. Though The Ministry of Welfare makes financial assistance available to voluntary agencies to run old age homes there is a need for these centres to expand both quantitatively and qualitatively in order for their impact to be felt.

It is also the duty of corporates and those who have, to share with the less fortunate by contributing towards the homes for the aged and other social welfare organisations. It will be fine if all of us can work towards that goal as an individual or by being a part of a society involved in the upliftment of the needy.

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old age homes at kannur - a study

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