VOSARD has successfully implemented the Care and Protection for Senior Citizen project with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens by promoting community-based care and support services. This initiative actively involves families and other stakeholders to ensure the well-being of senior citizens.The project not only safeguards the rights of senior citizens but also fosters livelihood opportunities for both active and semi-dependent individuals. It facilitates access to health and welfare services and encourages full participation in family and social activities.The project was launched in Idukki district of Kerala in 2013 with the generous support of Misereor, Germany. A replicable model of this project has been initiated in Thogamalai Block of Karur District in Tamil Nadu in January 2023.
Major interventions in the project are:
- Formation of Elders SHGs
- Formation of Panchayat level federation of ESHGs
- Seed money to elder’s groups
- Medical camps
- Routine health checkups (diabetes, BP)
- Advocacy and lobbying
- Availing Social Security Schemes
- Promotion of Income generation activities
- Awareness classes promotion of physical, mental and spiritual health.
Success Story:Independent Life after Cataract Surgery
“Damodhran is 68 years old and lives together with his wife and the family of his youngest son in the Chakkuppallam Panchayat of the Idukki District. He is the father of five daughters and four sons who are all married. Earlier, he was working as a daily wager. His son had to look after his family as well as his parents but his earnings were not sufficient to provide for such a large family.
Damodhran joined an ESHG in January 2014. In spite of his eye problem he was very active in the group. It was very difficult for him to write in the ESHG’s books or even attend the meetings. Since he lived in a remote place it was also hard for him to get to the ESHG meetings during the rainy season.
As he could not attend most of the meetings and his cataract disease got worse, he became more and more isolated. This also caused his metal capacity to decrease. THen he attended a medical camp, organized by VOSARD. The doctors diagnosed cataract and suggested an immediate surgery. His operation was successful so that he got his sight back. He can now attend the ESHG meetings regularly and is a role model for other members. Mr. Due to awareness classes, conducted by VOSARD, Damodhran is now aware on the rights and social security schemes concering senior citizens. Starting to work again as a daily wager he is also contributing to the income of the family and leads a more independent life.