The helpline for elders will focus on counselling

With the case of Karibasamma, 70, a resident of an old age home in Davangere, pleading to be allowed mercy killing in the Karnataka high court, the fate of the indigent old in the state has become a matter of discussion. On Wednesday, Help Age India set up a toll-free number 1800-180-1253 that would respond to the needs of the elderly.  M Prakashan, senior manager, Programs, Help Age India spoke to DNA.

What services do you expect to provide with this helpline?
We will be coming to the aid of senior citizens with the helpline. Obviously, counselling services will be top-most on our list of priorities. We have a counsellor to attend to the calls. Apart from that, any information that the senior citizens seek will be provided to them through this service. Information will be made available on hospital services, and on various schemes for the elderly. Any aid needed in case they are being harassed or abused will also be provided.

Will the helpline work round the clock?
To begin with, the helpline will operate only regular working hours, eight hours each day. If the need is felt later for maintaining a service that is available both day and night, we will expand our services.

Are there such helplines already in existence?
The difference that our helpline makes is that it will be available to senior citizens across the state. What helplines there are already are limited to the city. Our helpline would also offer rehabilitation to old people who have no place to live. No other helpline offers that.

But how will you go about providing rehabilitation?
Over the years, in the course of our work with the aged, we have been providing rehabilitation services to those who have been abandoned by their families. We run several old age homes where such people are given shelter. We also work with many old age homes that we do not actually run. In case we get a call about an old person with no home, we know where we could direct him or her. Not just that, there are old people who have homes, but still need other services. We offer details of organisations that could offer the services that old people need in their homes.

How will people get to know about the helpline?
Through the media; we are also working closely with many NGOs that have branches across the state. These NGOs will spread the word.

Is the government at all involved in your work?
Yes. We are in constant touch with the police. In case we have to rescue the elderly, or in case we get to know of a harassment or abuse case, we are bound to work with the police, who have been wholeheartedly supporting our work. The Karnataka State Legal Authority assists in providing legal assistance to those elderly who need it.