Aspects of Formal Care in India

The elderly population in our country is rapidly increasing, and the dependency ratio of older persons is increasing. The demographic pattern is changing with more older females becoming widows. The breakdown of the family system has led to the elderly being marginalized. They are economically dependent, often alone and lonely and at times subjected to abuse and neglect. The health and social support services available for the elderly are very few and not equitably distributed. These need to be strengthened, and the elderly made aware of the same. The existing facilities need to be more elderly-friendly for them to avail these. There is also a need to have schemes and health insurance in place to make older persons financially self-sufficient. The digital divide needs to be bridged so that they can become aware of and utilize the smart technologies introduced for the healthcare of the elderly. Institutions for short- and long-term care of the elderly need to be standardized with clear guidelines in place. They should be affordable and provide all facilities for helping the elderly lead a good quality of life. Formal caregivers need to be trained to provide professional services in homes and institutions. This chapter explores the various domains where the care components can be provided, with special emphasis on formal care. It also brings out the challenges faced and the solutions that can be put in place to improve the formal care facilities for the elderly.