KOCHI: Kochi, which was announced as an age-friendly city in October last, will have more facilities and services for the elderly. Kochi Corporation is all set to introduce a helpline number support system for the elderly in the city which will be functional within three months. Aged people in the city will get assistance from trained volunteers in their respective areas.
A directory of elderly couples or individuals who are staying alone in the city limits is being prepared. Details of such aged persons in more than 35 divisions have already been collected. “A team of six volunteers will be selected in each division who will be given special training on geriatric care. The elderly staying alone will be given a helpline number which will be operational round the clock. Those who need assistance can call the number any time and the call will be connected to all the six members in the volunteers’ team. The team will make sure that one of the members reaches the spot immediately to provide assistance to the aged,” said A.B Sabu, Corporation Welfare Committee chairman.
The members of the volunteers’ team will be anganwadi members, Kudumbasree Mission workers and social workers. “Selected auto rickshaw and taxi drivers will also be given behavioural training. We will equip them to provide necessary services to the elderly,” added A.B Sabu. The programme is being implemented as part of the Corporation’s Snehatheeram project. As part of the Snehatheeram project, leisurely trips have been conducted for the elderly in 34 divisions.
