The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced expanded welfare programmes to improve living conditions and healthcare access for elderly people across India. The initiatives include new residential facilities, distribution of mobility aids, and a dedicated online portal for senior citizen information.
What has been announced
More than 2.88 lakh senior citizens are currently receiving support through institutional care schemes. These services include shelter, food, healthcare, physiotherapy and recreational activities aimed at improving their overall well-being.
The government has sanctioned 142 new Senior Citizen Homes in different parts of the country to expand the availability of residential care facilities for elderly persons.
A total of 228 camps have been organised across the country, reaching over 4.91 lakh beneficiaries. Through these camps, approximately 23.93 lakh assistive living devices have been distributed free of cost. These devices include wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks and spectacles, and are available to eligible senior citizens from Below Poverty Line households and low-income groups.
A Senior Citizen’s Welfare Portal has been launched to serve as a centralised platform where elderly people and their families can access information about available welfare schemes and support services.
What this means for you
If you are a senior citizen from a low-income household, you may be eligible to receive free mobility and healthcare devices through organised camps in your area. The new Senior Citizen Homes being set up across the country will provide an additional option for institutional care including meals, medical support and recreational facilities if you require residential assistance. The online welfare portal will make it easier to find information about government schemes designed for elderly persons without having to visit multiple offices. These combined measures aim to help older citizens maintain independence and dignity in their daily lives.