The Kudumbashree Mission is all set to turn Ernakulam district into a hub for operating its consultancy in trained geriatric service facility.
The ‘Hope N Safe’ consultancy was inaugurated in Kuzhuppilly panchayat recently.
Kudumbashree already has a programme named ‘Harsham’ under which selected members are given 15 days training in geriatric care, including hands-on practical training in geriatric care centres attached to hospitals empanelled for the purpose.
“We have over 100 trained personnel in Ernakulam alone and over 1,000 across the State. The service of these personnel will now be channelled through the consultancy in Ernakulam. Sub consultancies at the district-level will be set up in due course,” said Manjeesh V.M., district programme manager, Kudumbashree Mission. Kudumbashree took up consultancy for geriatric care as a social cause, considering the widespread exploitation prevalent in the private home nursing sector.
Exploitation
While home nurses were exploited by private consultancies, which paid them peanuts despite collecting huge sums from clients, the dubious behaviour of some home nurses posed safety threats to families that engaged them, he said.
“Our members for geriatric training are recommended by neighbourhood groups, area development societies and community development societies after multiple-level background checks over and above police verification,” said Mr. Manjeesh.
While Kudumbashree has set standard rates, inclusive of a nominal fee, for operating the consultancy for geriatric services based on the norms set by the State mission, room has been left for quite a bit of flexibility.
A potential client who finds the rate unaffordable can quote a lower rate, which the consultancy will publicise, and any of its trained members willing to work for that rate will be allowed to do so.
To avail service, contact 79091-20009 or hopensafeconsultancy@gmail.com.
