Strengthening Kerala's Elder Affairs System through a Comprehensive Community-Based Integrated Care Framework

PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF KERALA 
Submitted by : Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS)

To

Mr V.D Satheeshan
The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala
Government of Kerala


Subject:  Petition for Strengthening the Newly Constituted Elder Affairs Administrative Framework and Developing a Comprehensive Community-Based Integrated Elder Care System for Kerala

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the members of the Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS), respectfully submit this petition seeking the strengthening of Kerala's newly constituted administrative framework for elderly welfare and the development of a comprehensive, community-based, rights-oriented and multidisciplinary Elder Affairs System capable of addressing the growing needs of Kerala's ageing population.

• Why This Petition Matters

Kerala is undergoing a significant demographic transition and is among the fastest ageing states in India. Increasing life expectancy, declining fertility rates, migration of younger populations, and changing family structures have resulted in a rapidly growing elderly population requiring diverse forms of support and protection.

However, the increasing complexity of ageing-related issues requires a more structured, decentralized, professional and community-oriented approach capable of translating policies into meaningful interventions at the grassroots level.

While this demographic transition reflects Kerala's achievements in health and social development, it also presents complex challenges including:

1. Social isolation and loneliness
2. Elder abuse, neglect and abandonment
3.  Dementia and age-related mental health concerns
4.  Long-term care needs
5.  Economic insecurity
6.  Property-related disputes and exploitation
7.  Caregiver stress
8.  Accessibility and mobility challenges
9. Need for coordinated health and social care services

 

• Recognition of Existing Government Initiatives

We respectfully acknowledge the significant initiatives already undertaken by the Government of Kerala in the field of elderly welfare, including:

•  Formulation and implementation of the Kerala State Policy for Senior Citizens.
•  Establishment of the Kerala State Commission for Senior Citizens.
• Implementation of State and Centrally Sponsored Welfare Schemes.
• Regulation and support of Old Age Homes and institutional care facilities.
•  Social security and welfare interventions for senior citizens.
•  The recent Government Order dated 30.05.2026 assigning elderly welfare subjects to a dedicated administrative framework under the Social Justice Department.

The recent Government Order is a welcome and progressive step that provides a strong foundation for developing a more integrated and effective system for elderly welfare and protection.

• Our Vision
  "Every Senior Citizen in Kerala should be able to age with dignity, security, participation and well-being within their own community."

We envision a Kerala where:

• No senior citizen is abandoned.
• No elderly person suffers abuse without protection.
• No senior citizen is denied care due to poverty, isolation, illness or disability.
• Every elderly person has access to coordinated health, social and support services.
• Communities actively participate in promoting healthy and dignified ageing.
  
  
  Our Key Recommendations

1. Strengthen the Elder Affairs Administrative Framework

Develop the newly constituted Elder Affairs framework into a comprehensive system responsible for:

• Elder welfare and protection
• Community-based care
• Long-term care planning
• Mental health and psychosocial support
• Rehabilitation services
• Elder rights promotion
• Research and policy development
• Monitoring and evaluation

2. Establish a Statutory Multi-Tier Service Delivery Structure

Enact a "Kerala Senior Citizens Welfare, Protection and Community Care Act" to provide a statutory foundation for elderly welfare administration.

The Act may establish:

State Level

• Kerala State Authority for Senior Citizens

District Level

• District Elder Welfare Authorities

Block Level

• Elder Support Resource Centres

Local Self Government Level

• Elder Care and Protection Centres (ECPCs)

Ward Level

• Community Elder Care Networks

This structure should integrate welfare services, elder protection, rehabilitation, mental health support, long-term care planning and community-based care while strengthening Kerala's decentralized governance system.

3. Promote Community-Based Integrated Elder Care

Services may include:

• Elder registration and vulnerability mapping
• Home visits and outreach services
• Family counselling
• Psychosocial support
• Individual care planning
• Case management
• Day-care services
• Volunteer support networks
• Emergency assistance services
• Dementia support programmes

Priority should be given to helping senior citizens continue living safely within their own communities.

4. Strengthen Elder Protection Mechanisms

We respectfully request:

• 24×7 State Elder Helpline
• Elder Emergency Response System
• District Elder Protection Units
• Mandatory Elder Protection Cells
• Community reporting mechanisms
• Rapid response teams for abuse, neglect and abandonment

5. Constitute Elder Justice and Protection Committees

District-level committees comprising:

• Judicial Officers
• Legal Experts
• Social Work Professionals
• Clinical Psychologists
• Geriatric Care Professionals

to address:

1. Elder abuse and neglect
2. Property disputes
3. Financial exploitation
4. Institutional grievances
5. Guardianship and protection matters

6. Separate Welfare Delivery and Investigation Functions

          1. Welfare and Service Delivery Wing
          2. Scheme implementation
          3. Community care
          4. Rehabilitation services
          5. Institutional support
          6. Protection, Monitoring and Investigation Wing
          7. Complaint investigations
          8. Institutional inspections
          9. Elder abuse inquiries
        10. Rights protection monitoring

7. Strengthen the Kerala State Commission for Senior Citizens

1. District-level grievance redress mechanisms
2. Dedicated research and policy support units
3. Professional  support teams
4. Periodic monitoring and evaluation systems
5. Better coordination with local self-governments

8. Reform and Regulate Elder Care Institutions

Develop standards for:

1. Government and private institutions
2. Assisted living facilities
3. Retirement communities
4. Long-term care centres

including:

• Registration and accreditation
• Periodic inspections
• Minimum standards of care
• Resident rights protection
• Financial transparency
• Complaint redress systems

Adequate staffing norms should be prescribed, ensuring the availability of Professional Social Workers, Nurses, Psychologists and other professionals required for quality elderly care.

9. Establish Kerala Institute of Gerontology and Elder Care Management

A state-level institute for:

• Research & Development
• Innovation
• Training
• Capacity building
• Policy development
• Gerontology studies
• Monitoring and evaluation

10. Promote Professional and Multidisciplinary Service Delivery

The challenges associated with ageing extend beyond healthcare and require coordinated interventions across multiple domains.

Accordingly, elderly welfare services should adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving:

1. Professional Social Workers
2. Clinical Psychologists
3. Geriatricians
4. Public Health Experts
5. Rehabilitation Professionals
6. Nurses
7. Legal Experts
8. Community Development Professionals

Professional Social Workers can contribute significantly in:

1. Psychosocial assessment
2. Family counselling
3. Case management
4. Elder protection interventions
5. Community care coordination
6. Rehabilitation services
7. Volunteer management
8. Community mobilization
   A multidisciplinary workforce will help ensure comprehensive, person-centred and community-based support for senior citizens.

11. Capacity Building and Training
 
We recommend mandatory training for personnel involved in elderly welfare in areas such as:

1. Geriatric care
2. Elder rights
3. Dementia care
4. Mental health
5. Abuse prevention
6. Community care
7. Psychosocial support

12. Protect Elderly Residents in Institutions

Introduce legal safeguards concerning:

• Resident safety and dignity
• Protection of assets and financial interests
• Standards of care
• Monitoring and inspection systems
• Rights protection mechanisms

13. Develop Long-Term Care Financing Mechanisms

Study international models, including Japan's Long-Term Care Insurance System, and develop Kerala-specific financing mechanisms to support:

• Home-based care
• Community care
• Assisted living
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Long-term care needs
  
  14. Promote Digital Inclusion for Senior Citizens
  
  
• Digital literacy programmes
• Elder-friendly digital service centres
• Assisted access to online government services

Mobile support for digitally excluded senior citizens

15. Strengthen Mental Health and Dementia Care

1. Community mental health programmes
2. Dementia support services
3. Caregiver support initiatives
4. Counselling services
5. Awareness campaigns on healthy ageing
   
   16. Promote Active Ageing and Social Participation
   
   1. Age-friendly employment opportunities
   2. Senior Citizen Self Help Groups (SHGs)
   3. Skill-based engagement programmes
   4. Volunteer and mentoring opportunities
   5. Inter-generational learning initiatives
   6. Lifelong learning programmes

Senior citizens possess invaluable knowledge, experience and skills that should continue to enrich society.

17. Constitute a State Expert Committee

Comprising representatives from:

• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Kerala State Commission for Senior Citizens
• Professional Social Workers
• Geriatricians
• Clinical Psychologists
• Legal Experts
• Public Health Professionals
• Local Self Government Institutions
• NGOs
• Palliative Care Organisations
• Dementia Care Organisations
• Senior Citizen Organisations

to prepare a roadmap for a comprehensive Kerala Community-Based Integrated Elder Care System.

Our Appeal

" Kerala has long been recognised as a leader in health, literacy, social development and decentralized governance. The State now has an opportunity to become India's leading model for dignified ageing and elderly welfare.

The next phase should focus on building a professionally managed, community-based, rights-oriented and multidisciplinary system capable of integrating welfare, protection, rehabilitation, mental health support, institutional regulation, research and long-term care planning.

We therefore humbly request the Government of Kerala to consider the recommendations contained in this petition and initiate appropriate consultations for developing a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening elderly welfare administration in the State." 

  "Ageing with Dignity is a Right. Caring for Senior Citizens is a Collective Responsibility."

Yours faithfully,

Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS)
01.06.26

CC to 

Sri V. E. Abdul Gafoor
Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice
Government of Kerala

Dr. A. Jayathilak IAS
Chief Secretary
Government of Kerala

Dr. Adeela Abdulla IAS
Special Secretary to Government
Social Justice Department

Dr. Arun S. Nair IAS
Director
Social Justice Department

Mrs. Preethy Wilson
Joint Director
Social Justice Department

Sri Pinarayi Vijayan
Hon'ble Leader of the Opposition
Kerala Legislative Assembly