Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 Introduction
Within Asia, as India and China are the two largest countries in the region, it
is expected that they would have a significant proportion of the world’s elderly
because of their large population base. India like many traditional societies, today
faces a unique situation in providing care for its elderly as the existing old-age
support structures in the form of family, kith and kin, are fast eroding and the
elderly are ill-equipped to cope alone with their lives in the face of infirmity and
disability.
The cost of living and scanty return on savings have almost pushed the
senior citizens on roads. Life Expectancy is steadily increasing, but cities are no
longer safe nor do friendly neighbor a certainty. The onus of caring for the elderly
is therefore now much more on the state than the family and will necessitate the
creation of adequate institutional support.
1
Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have together 57% of all old age homes.
These states have witnessed emigration of young people in large numbers to
Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. This has resulted in people being now more
affluent but having no one to care for them.
Elders have started walking out of their own home in search of a journey
that promises peace, joy and celebration of life with a group of people who share
the same boat of life. However not many rather none of them receive it.
Townships and residential colonies exclusively for senior citizens are now
coming up in the state where they can relocate and spend the sunset of their lives
without bothering about paying electricity bills, cooking and getting prompt
medical care.
Even though Kannur is not a big city there has been a tremendous increase
in the number of old age homes. Hence an attempt was made to study the
management of old age homes in Kannur.
Kannur, one among the northern districts of the state,ranks second with
respect to the source of emigrants from the state to Gulf countries. Kannur like
2
many traditional societies, today faces a unique situation in providing care for its
elderly as the existing old-age support structures in the form of family, kith and
kin, are fast eroding and the elderly are ill-equipped to cope alone with their lives
in the face of infirmity and disability.
Therefore there is an urgent need to examine the various aspects of this new
and fast growing population of old age homes and to understand the management
of the financial, infrastructural and other aspects related to the Management of Old
Age Homes in Kannur.
To know the level of satisfaction of the inmates with regards to the services
and facilities provided by the old age homes.
1.5 Methodology
For the study both primary and secondary data has been used. The primary
source of data was collected by means of interactions with The Officer of the
Department of Social Welfare, Kannur. The group also interacted with the
heads/managers, the Warden and the inmates of the Old age Homes in Kannur.
Secondary data were collected from Government records, other published
sources like journals, periodicals, brochures & websites.
4
1.6 Tools for Data Collection
Data was obtained using a structured interview schedule and a questionnaire.
The Officer of District Welfare Office, Kannur and the warden and inmates of
various old age homes were contacted personally to get the necessary data related
to the study.
Simple percentage method was used for the analysis of data. Pie charts, bar
charts etc. were used for data presentation.
A number of studies have been done in this area some of which are been
summarized below:
5
1. According to the study 'Ageing in India' prepared for WHO by Dr Indira Jai
Prakash Professor of Psychology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India, the UN
defines a country as ‘ageing’ where the proportion of people over 60 reaches 7 per
cent. By 2025 India is expected to be an ageing country. In recent years, in large
cities relatively well-to-do people are considering living in special condominiums
built for older people. In metropolitan cities, senior housing projects with medical
and recreational facilities are being promoted by construction companies.
The study also states that the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu
have together 57% of all old age homes. Kerala has the highest number of old age
homes in India. These states have witnessed emigration of young people in large
numbers to Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. People are now more affluent but
have no one to care for them.
2. A Survey of Old Age Homes and Inmates in Kerala by S. Irudaya Rajan, Centre
for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram shows that during the past two
decades, there was a rapid expansion in the number of old age homes in the
country. Like this Kerala has also witnessed the development of more old age
homes at a rapid rate. As of 2006, Kerala State led the rest of the country with
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more than 420 old age homes, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. One out
of every 12 old age homes in India is located in Kerala. It has been mentioned that
the emigration of youth to other places has forced many to stay in an old age home.
The number of inmates at the old age homes in Kerala is increasing at very high
rate when compared to the last decade.
4. A study by Vicky Stergiopoulos on the topic “Old and Homeless: A Review and
Survey of Older adults Who Use Shelters in an Urban Setting” states that although
seniors represent a small percentage of the homeless population, their numbers are
growing. The homeless elderly are the most vulnerable of this impoverished
population. Although more research is needed to define their mental and physical
health needs and ways of meeting them, their characteristics appear to be unique.
Geriatric psychiatrists could play a significant role in evaluating and treating this
population more comprehensively.
7
Old age may mean different things in different cultures. In some
societies Seniority may bring high status and in some it may mean a time of
relative relaxation and freedom from worry. In others old age is linked to life stage
or generation and may or may not be something to look forward to. The dream of
the people all over the world to live long lives is now becoming a reality due to the
socio-economic development of people and advancement in sciences, particularly
medical sciences.
Old age for the purpose of our study is defined as “a period in the life
course when collective social support of some kind becomes essential because of
advancing years”. In most gerontological literature, people above 60 years of age
are considered as ‘old’ and as constituting the ‘elderly’ segment of the population.
An old age home has been defined as a Institution which provides physical,
social, psychological and economic support for the aged.
8
Old age was never a problem in India. Old age homes were alien in
concept and elder abuse was considered a Western problem. Not anymore. As life
expectancy has increased from 41 years in 1951 to 64 years today, hundreds of old
age homes have sprung up in India. Neglect of parents has become a big issue, so
much so that the Indian government has passed "The maintenance and welfare of
parents and senior citizens bill 2006", which makes it imperative for adult children
to look after their parents.
As of 1998, there were 728 Old Age Homes in India. Detailed information
about 547 of these is available. Out of these, 325 homes are free of cost while 95
old age homes are on pay & stay basis, 116 homes have both free as well as pay &
stay facilities and 11 homes have no information. A total of 278 old age homes all
over the country are available for the sick and 101 homes are exclusively for
women. Kerala had 124 old age homes which is the maximum in any state.
As the role of families as a social safety net for the elderly is fast eroding,
the poor among the elderly have become the most vulnerable sections of society in
India. The Central and State governments still play only a very negligible role in
providing care to the deprived sections of society. But the Indian government is
waking up to meet this challenge head on. At present over 500 NGO's are given
grant-in-aid to provide services like old age homes, day care centers, medical
9
facilities etc. for the aged. The Delhi-based International Federation on Aging has
been campaigning for free health care for senior citizens; decrease in the age limit
for pension; a bigger, respectable living allowance; change in the eligibility criteria
so that even if the combined family income is Rs.8,000 the senior citizen is entitled
to pension, creation and implementation of a social security scheme and so on.
Old age homes are a necessity in the present day scenario as the younger
generation do not have the time or in many cases the resources to meet their needs
(like medical expenses, special food etc). But old age homes should be considered
only as a secondary option. Elders in the family are definitely an asset. It is they
who can impart the much needed ethical values and code of conduct in the younger
generation. Old age homes as an option should be considered only for the
betterment of the senior citizens by way of better physical and mental status,
greater possibility for social bonding etc. Under no pretext should the aged be
made to feel that they are a burden and hence turned away. Builders can also
consider allocating a few houses for the senior citizens within an integrated
township (at subsidized rates), so that the feeling of isolation goes away while
proximity to dear ones is maintained.
10
Data collected from the Management of Old age
Homes in Kannur
Year of Establishment
2004-‘08 2 11.11
2000-‘04 6 33.33
1996-‘00 4 22.22
1992-‘96 3 16.67
Total 18 100
11
INTERPRETATION:
From the above table it can be seen that 33.33% of the old age homes in Kannur
have been established during the period 2000 – 2004 while 22.22% of the homes
have been established during the period 1996-2000.16.67% each of the institutions
were established before the year 1992 and also during the period 1992-96. The
remaining 11.11% of the institutions were established during the period 2004-2008.
Hence it can be inferred that majority of the institutions were established during
the period 2000-2004.
Year of Establishment
12
Source: Primary data
Management
Religious 15 83.33
Government 1 5.56
Others 0 0
Total 18 100
13
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 83.33% of the old age homes in Kannur are managed by
religious organizations, 11.11% of the old age homes are managed by charitable
trusts. Only 5.56% of the institutions are managed by the government.
Hence it can be concluded that majority of the old age homes in Kannur are
managed by religious organizations
Management
14
Source: Primary data
Initial Investment
20-40 1 5.56
40-60 7 38.89
60-80 4 22.22
80-100 2 11.11
100-120 3 16.67
120-140 1 5.56
15
Total 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 38.84%of the old age homes started with an initial investment
of Rs. 40000 to Rs.60000. 22.22% of the old age homes started with an investment
of Rs.60000 to Rs.80000, 16.67% %of the old age homes have started with an
investment of Rs 100000 to Rs.1200000, 5.56 % each of the old age homes
started with an investment of Rs.12000 to Rs.140000, and also of Rs.1200000-
Rs.1400000.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes have an
initial investment between Rs.40000 to Rs.60000.
Initial Investment
16
Source: Primary data
17
Average monthly No. of Institutions Percentage
expenses(in
1000’s)
20-40 7 38.88
40-60 2 11.11
60-80 2 11.11
80-100 1 5.56
100-120 2 11.11
120-140 1 5.56
140-160 3 16.67
Total 18 100
Source: Primary data
INTERPRETATION:
The table reveals that 38.88% of the old age homes are incurring an average
monthly expense between Rs 20,000 to Rs.40000 , 16.67%% of the old age homes
are incurring an average monthly expense between Rs 140,000 to Rs.160000.
11.11% of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense between
Rs 40,000 to Rs.80000 and also between Rs.100000 to Rs.120000. Only 5.56%
each of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense of Rs 80,000
to Rs.100000 and also of Rs.120000 to Rs.140000.
Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes are incurring an
average monthly expenses between Rs 20,000 to Rs.40,000.
18
Source: Primary data
19
Particulars No. of Institutions Percentage
Total 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 44.44% of the old age homes are exclusively for female
inmates. 27.7% of the old age homes in kannur are meant for male.While
remaining 27.7% of the old age homes are meant for both male and female.
Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes are exclusively for
female inmates.
20
Source: Primary data
Number of Inmates
21
No. of Inmates No. of Institutions Percentage
0-20 3 16.67
20-40 6 33.33
40-60 2 11.11
60-80 2 11.11
80-100 0 0
100-120 2 11.11
120-140 2 11.11
140-160 1 5.56
Total 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 33.33% old age homes have 40 to 60 inmates, 16.67% of old
age homes have below 20 inmates, 11.11% old age homes have inmates in the
range of 40 to 60. 11.11% of the old age homes have inmates in the range of 60 to
80, 100 to 120 and 120 to 140 inmates. Only 5.56% of old age homes have 140 to
160 inmates. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes have 20 to
40 inmates.
Chart No. 4.6
Number of Inmates
22
Source: Primary data
Male Inmates
23
No. of Inmates No. of Institutions
0-20 4
20-40 1
40-60 1
60-80 1
80-100 0
100-120 2
120-140 1
Total 10
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it could be understood that 4 old age homes have male inmates less
than 20. Two old age homes are having male inmates between 100 and 120. One
old age home each is accommodating male inmates between 20 to 40, 40 to 60, 60
to 80 and 120 to 140.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes
are accommodating male inmates less than 20 in number.
Male Inmates
24
Source: Primary data
Female Inmates
25
No. of Inmates No. of Institutions
0-20 3
20-40 6
40-60 1
60-80 1
80-100 1
100-120 0
120-140 0
140-160 1
Total 13
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 6 old age homes are having female inmates between 20 and
40. Three old age homes are having inmates below 20. One old age home in
Kannur is accommodating more than 140 female inmates. One old age home each
is accommodating female inmates between 40 to 60, 60 to 80, 80 to 100 and 140 to
160.Hence it can be inferred that majority of the old age homes in Kannur is
accommodating female inmates between 20 and40.
Female Inmates
26
Source: Primary data
Owned 16 88.89
Rent 2 11.11
Total 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it can be revealed that 88.89% of old age homes are having their
own land and building and only 11.11% of old age homes are functioning in rented
buildings.Hence it can be inferred that majority of old age homes have their own
land and building.
Telephone 18 100
Recreation 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that all the old age homes have telephone and recreation facility.
94.4% of the old age homes are having Library/Reading room facility. It is also
seen that only 50% have vehicle facility. Hence we can draw the conclusion that all
the old age homes have telephone facility and recreation facility.
30
Manpower employed at Old age Homes
No. of people
Watchmen 6
Nursing care 6
Others 11
Total 55
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it could be inferred that 23 workers are employed for food
preparation and distribution. 9 workers are employed in Administration
Department. 6 workers are employed for nursing care and as watchmen. And 11
workers are employed for other work.
Hence it can be inferred that majority are employed for food preparation and
distribution work.
31
Financial Aid from Government
Total 18 100
INTERPRETATION:
From the above table we can conclude that 55.56% of the old age homes are
receiving grants from the Government. 44.44% of old homes are not getting
financial aid from the government.So it can be inferred that majority of old age
homes are Government aided institutions.
32
Financial Aid from Government
Sources of Income:
Multiple sources of funding have been reported by all institutions. The major
sources of funds are donations made by:
Individuals
Organizations
Religious Organization
33
Growth of Old Age Homes in Kannur
Before 2000 10
After 2000 18
INTERPRETATION:
From the table we can see that, before 2000 there were only 10 old age homes in
kannur and after the year 2000 the number has increased to 18.Hence it can be
inferred that there has been 80% increase in the number of old age homes in
Kannur.
34
Growth of Old Age Homes in Kannur
Age of Inmates
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it can be see that 51 inmates are belonging to the age group of 60 &
70 years. Thirty inmates are belonging to the age group of above 70 years. It is also
seen that 19 inmates are belonging to the age group of 50 and 60 years. Hence it
can be inferred that majority of the inmates are belonging to the age group of 60 &
70 years.
36
Chart No. 4.12
Age of Inmates
37
Table No. 4.15
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 60% of the inmates are not married and 40% of the inmates
were married. Hence it can be concluded that majority of the inmates are not
married.
38
Source: Primary data
Primary 23 23
Upper 39 39
Primary(middle)
High school 19 19
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it is can be seen that 39% of the inmates are having upper primary
(middle) level education. 23% of the inmates are found to have primary level
education. 19% of the inmates are having high school level education. 9% of the
inmates are found to have above high school level education. 10% of the inmates
are found to be illiterate. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are
having upper primary level education.
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Chart No. 4.14
40
Table No. 4.17
Professional/Executive 3 3
Agriculture 14 14
Clerk/Teacher etc. 5 5
House wife 30 30
Labourer 36 36
Unemployed 12 12
Total 100 100
Source: Primary data
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that 36 % of the inmates were labourer and 30% of the inmates
were house wives. It is also seen that 14% of the inmates were farmers and 12% of
the inmates were unemployed. 5% of the inmates were teachers/clerks and 3% of
the inmates were executives. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmate’s
were labourers.
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Chart No. 4.15
42
Table No. 4.18
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it can be seen that 87% of the inmates are not having any source of
income. Only 13% of the inmates are having an independent source of income.
Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are not having any source of
income.
43
Source: Primary data
Table No. 4.19
< 1 year 4 4
1-2 years 14 14
3-5 years 38 38
6-10 years 27 27
11-15 years 15 15
44
16+ years 2 2
Total 100 100
Source: Primary data
INTERPRETATION:
From the table it is seen that 38% of the inmates have been staying at the old age
homes for a period of 3 to 5 years. 27 % of the inmates have been there for a
period of 6 to 10 years. 15% of the inmates have been staying for a period of 11 to
15 years. 14% of the inmates are found to be staying in an old age home for a
period between 1 to 2 years. 4% of the inmates have been staying there for a period
less than 1 year and 2% of the inmates have been staying there for a period more
than 16 years. Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates have been
staying at the old age home for a period of 3 to 5 years.
45
Source: Primary data
INTERPRETATION:
From the above table it can be seen that 72% of the inmates are having health
problems and 28% of the inmates are not having any health problems. Hence it can
be concluded that majority of the inmates are affected by various health problems.
47
Satisfied or not No. of Inmates Percentage
Yes (satisfied) 11 11
No (not satisfied) 89 89
INTERPRETATION:
From the table and chart it can be seen that the majority of the inmates are satisfied
with their stay at the old age home. It is seen that 89% of the inmates are satisfied
with the services and facilities that they get from the old age homes. 11% of the
inmates are found to be unsatisfied with their stay at the old age homes.
Hence it can be inferred that majority of the inmates are satisfied with their stay at
the old age homes.
48
Satisfaction level of the Inmates
FINDINGS
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• Majority of the old age homes in Kannur were established during the period
2000-2004.
• It has been found that most of the old age homes are managed by the
religious organizations like Christian Missionaries.
• Govt. managed old age homes are very few in number when compared to
that others.
• Majority of the old age homes had an initial investment of Rs.40000 to
Rs.60000.
• Most of the old age homes are incurring an average monthly expense of Rs
20,000 to Rs.40,000.
• Most of the old age homes are meant exclusively for female inmates.
• Most of the old age homes are having inmates in the range of 20 to 40.
• Majority of the old age homes are accommodating male inmates of less than
20.
• Old age homes in Kannur are accommodating female inmates of 20 to 40.
• Most of the old age homes have their own land and building.
• All the old age homes are having telephone facility and recreation facility.
• Most of the old age homes employ workers for food preparation and
distribution work. It has been found that work in the kitchen and
supervision require only limited formal education.
• But geriatric nursing care needs special training.
• Most of the old age homes are Government aided institutions.
• There has been an 80% increase in the number of old age homes in Kannur.
• Most of the inmates of the old age homes are belonging to the age group of
60 & 70 years.
• 70% of the old age homes are getting grants from the Govt. But these
grants are found to be inadequate.
• In many of the old age homes, inmates are not charged for their maintenance
and admission.
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• Main source of funds for these institutions were found to be donations by
individuals, organizations etc.
• Most of the inmates are unmarried.
• Most of the inmates are having upper primary level education.
• Majority of the inmates are not having any source of income.
• The inmates staying at the old age homes have been staying there for a
period of 3 to 5 years.
• More than 70% of the inmates are affected by various health problems.
• Majority of the inmates are satisfied with their stay at the old age homes.
• Many youngsters have moved to places far away from their native homes
and in the recent past to many countries abroad. So even if they want to they
cannot accommodate their parents in their own homes.
• Elders who have been in control of the household for a long time are
unwilling to give up the responsibility to their children. There arise a
generation gap and finally the old parents will get admitted in old age
homes.
• Urbanization, modernization and Globalization have led to changes in
economic structure, erosion of societal values and the weakening of social
institutions such as the joint family. The traditional sense of duty and
obligation of the younger generation towards their older generation is being
eroded. As a result there has been an increase in the old age homes.
SUGGESTIONS
51
Training needs to be imparted to the different levels of gerontological
workers so that they take care of the elderly.
Proper monitoring of the work of old age homes and NGO's involved in
gerontological work needs to be done by the government.
There seems to be a need to initiate and maintain networking among
institutions and individuals involved in gerontological work.
Government needs to provide more assistance in the form of funds to these
organisations.
It is not enough for the youngsters merely to provide money for the elders. It
is more important to show them affection and respect. Domestic problems
could be discussed with the elders. It is not necessary to always accept what
they say, but the elders should feel that they are respected. This prevents a
conflict between them and the youngsters.
Kannur should concentrate on special geriatric training to take care of the
elderly; incidentally it generates additional employment opportunities for
women. As the growth of old age homes and elderly are on the increase, we
could naturally expect some gains in the employment front.
Private organizations and individuals as part of Corporate Social
Responsibility need to share with the less fortunate by contributing towards
the homes for the aged and other social welfare organisations
CONCLUSION
52
In India there are millions of people who belong to the elder population and
who can be divided roughly into two categories. On the one side we have those
who have both worked and saved all their lives or are otherwise financially
comfortable and can afford to take it easy. On the other hand we have those who
sadly are still forced to work to earn and fend for themselves. Living arrangements
of older people are influenced by several factors such as gender, health status, and
presence of disability, socio-economic status and societal traditions.
Generations of older Indians have found shelter in the extended family
system during crises, be these social, economical or psychological. However, the
traditional family is fast disappearing, even in rural areas. With urbanization,
families are becoming nuclear, smaller and are not always capable of caring for
older relatives. Old people are been sent to old age homes.
Though the old-age homes provide the inmates with all the basic essentials
of food, clothing and shelter, the inmates seem to require more of compassion and
care. From the study of the management of old age homes in Kannur it has been
seen that old age homes have been able to provide services and facilities for a large
number of people. But the numbers are increasing. Though The Ministry of
Welfare makes financial assistance available to voluntary agencies to run old age
homes there is a need for these centres to expand both quantitatively and
qualitatively in order for their impact to be felt.
It is also the duty of corporates and those who have, to share with the less
fortunate by contributing towards the homes for the aged and other social welfare
organisations. It will be fine if all of us can work towards that goal as an individual
or by being a part of a society involved in the upliftment of the needy.
53