A home care service for senior citizens, differently abled, sick and terminally ill persons was launched by Anbalayam, a voluntary organisation, in the city on Friday.
Under the service, trained personnel would extend nursing, feeding and house-keeping services to the needy. Escorts to accompany elders and patients to doctors and medical diagnostic labs would also be provided. Attendants would be made available both for home based services and in case of hospitalisation. Counselling, tuition for differently abled or special children and utility payment services would be offered, said T.K.S.Senthil Kumar, founder president, Anbalayam.
Nominal fee would be charged for the services offered , he said. The service was being launched keeping in mind a felt need of working couples who find it difficult to take care of elders at home; senior citizens living alone; and those with children living abroad.
The organisation would also enrol and train students, especially those studying social work, in offering the home care service. Anbalayam has developed a training module for the purpose, he said.
A directory of volunteers and a website for the service would be launched soon, he added.
Speaking at a function to mark the inauguration of the service, R.Shyamala, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, said there was a growing need for home care service as nuclear families have become the norm in cities. She suggested that Anbalayam also offer catering service to the needy senior citizens who could not cook by themselves.
G.Balakrishnan, former vice principal, St.Joseph's College, underlined the need for providing physical, emotional, intellectual and moral support to senior citizens.
Joseph Irudhayaraj, professor, St.Joseph's College, C.Raju, a non-resident Indian, Victor Lazarus, trainer, Southern Railway, T.Ilamurugu and K.Anand of Anbalayam spoke.
Those in need of the home care service can contact Anbalayam over the telephone: 2333102.
