Senior care homes getting full, fast

Emotional toll of separation from family remains evident, a sentiment often expressed by residents themselves

In a sad development, demand for senior care homes is surging in and around Bengaluru’s urban and rural districts, with daily calls requesting admission, despite many homes being full. Currently, three government-funded and seven private senior homes provide shelter and care for the elderly and are operating at full capacity to accommodate as many residents as possible in the rural district.

Despite this, requests for accommodation continue to pour in through the department’s senior citizen helplines, with calls from family members seeking placement for their parents and some from seniors themselves. Additionally, community members often report cases of homeless elderly individuals seen in public areas, urging authorities to offer them shelter and safety.

According to Jagadeesh, welfare officer at the Department of Empowerment of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, many senior homes are reaching their capacity. With the existing homes providing accommodations, food, and medical care for approximately 400 seniors aged between 50 and 80, the emotional toll of separation from family remains evident, a sentiment often expressed by the residents themselves.

An official said, “Homeless shelter requests have also increased, particularly in the outskirts of Bengaluru. The district receives a steady influx of migrants seeking livelihoods, which includes some individuals facing mental health challenges or those abandoned by family, leaving them to fend for themselves on the streets without food or shelter. While various organisations and authorities act on public calls to aid these individuals, the lack of sufficient homeless shelters remains a challenge.

The lack of sufficient homeless shelters in Bengaluru districts remains a challenge­–Official

To support the well-being of the elderly, the Bengaluru Rural District’s senior citizens department has implemented several activities, notably a weekly entertainment day every Friday in senior homes, featuring recreational events and sports. Additionally, every Saturday longer-term programmes prioritise personal hygiene for seniors. These initiatives aim to reach seniors directly in their communities, providing them with essential care and support.”