As Coimbatore gears up to become smart, its senior citizens ask, “Is anyone listening to us?”
Helpage India says, by 2050, 20 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above.
This poses a significant challenge, especially in healthcare facilities.
Rahul Padmanabhan, Clinical Gerontologist and Wellness Consultant and Regional Medical Director, Grand World Elder Care Clinics, feels that while Coimbatore is a preferred destination for retirees and there is a boom in companies investing in retirement communities, it still needs work before it can become elder-friendly.
He has some ideas.
How great it would be, says Dr. Rahul, if there was specialised transportation facility through hospitals to bring the elders to the hospital for visits.
“There should be community geriatric clinics set up as part of CSR of Corporate Hospitals and companies.
And, home-based care through tertiary hospitals,” he suggests.
Wheelchair accessibility, handrails in corridors, pathways, wards and rooms, elder-friendly restrooms with hand bars, toilet risers and alarm bells will raise the confidence of the elders and help them be more independent and confident. “Counsellors should be trained in communicating with the elderly,” he adds.
Madhavi Gopinath, director quality, GKNM, says the hospital has been on the path to making itself elder friendly for quite some time now.
“We have a dedicated geriatric department. And, we have tied up with senior homes to give the elderly priority care. Our staff is trained to identify such vulnerable patients and take extra care of them and we have elder-friendly infrastructure.”
Dr. Madhavi explains that the move is also towards providing healthcare at home.
“A team of a doctor, nurse, and physiotherapist visits elders at home. Caregivers are trained by the team to look after their charges.”
T. Balaji, director, Valavadi Narayanaswamy Cancer Centre, GKNM Hospital, says the hospital will host an International Palliative Care Conference in 2017.
“It is to sensitise the doctors and caregivers about the elders’ right to a dignified, painless and comfortable life.”
The aim is to improve the quality of life of the elders and Dr. Balaji hopes there will soon be legislation to make this happen.
Pankaja Srinivasan
