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Policy Brief
The problem
Kerala’s success in extending life expectancy and lowering fertility means that a growing share of its people are over sixty. Migration has taken many younger family members to other states and countries. The traditional assumption that older people will be cared for at home by their children no longer holds for a large number of households.
Existing support, through pensions, health services and a small number of care homes, was not designed for this situation. Families who can afford it hire private caregivers, often informally. Those who cannot are left to manage alone.
Principles for a response
- Care close to home. Most older people want to remain in their own homes and communities.
- A guaranteed minimum. Every older person who needs help with daily living should be entitled to a basic level of support, regardless of family circumstances.
- Local delivery. Panchayats and municipalities already run health and welfare programs and know their residents.
- Support for carers. Family members and paid caregivers need training, respite and fair conditions.
Recommendations
- Create a register of older residents who live alone or need help with daily living, maintained by each local government with consent and strict privacy safeguards.
- Fund a basic home care entitlement, delivered through trained community caregivers, for those assessed as needing it.
- Develop day care centres in every local government area, using existing public buildings where possible.
- Set standards and registration for care homes and home care agencies, with regular inspection.
- Train and certify caregivers, creating a recognised occupation with decent pay.
Next steps
CRGD is working with interested local governments to pilot elements of this approach and will publish the results.
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