kerala - Helpageindiaprogramme

KERALA
For Private circulation
P
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From the Editorial Desk
Empowering older people is one of the utmost
aims of HelpAge India. Empowerment refers
to the ability to make informed choices,
exercise influence, make continuing
contributions to society, and take advantage
of services. These privileges are taken for
granted by most, but often are not available to
older persons for a variety of reasons,
including poverty, poor health, low
educational levels, lack of transportation and
access to services, negative stereotypes about
aging, and overt or subtle age discrimination.
Yet empowerment is vital to the quality of life
of older persons and the health of society on
the whole if seniors are engaged and involved
members of it.
The case of Smt. Saraswathyammal, aged 52,
a regular student in the computer literacy
classes conducted at AgeCare Service Hub
(ASH), Kochi is a shining example of
empowerment by availing the services and
making good use of it. She was appointed as a
receptionist in a dental clinic recently. The
employer who is also a visitor to ASH Center
offered her the job seeing her expertise in
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point and
internet. The irony is that she had lost her
earlier job due to lack of computer literacy.
HelpAge has empowered her to face old age
with dignity! The success of
Saraswathyammal has prompted many
“elderly students” to use the computer
literacy facility at the ASH, Kochi.
NEWSLETTER Vol: 3, Issue: 2, July-September, 2012
“Meet & Greet Visit” to Old Age Home during Onam
festival
Agecare Service Hub Kochi organized “Meet and Greet
Visit” programme at Soukhya Sadan Old Age Home,
Chethikode on 24th August 2012 as a part of Onam
celebrations. The entrance of the home was decorated
with a traditional flower carpet [Athapookalam]. Elders
too joined in preparing flowers. HelpAge staff dressed
up in traditional dothi and kerala saree added color to the
celebration. The function started with the game
“Sundarikku Pottukuthal” in which the elders were
blind folded and asked to put bindhi on the picture of a
beautiful lady. This was followed by rendering of
traditional onam songs by elders. The song by Mr.
Xavier was really a mind blowing one. Mr. Biju
Mathew, State Head of HelpAge India, greeted the
elders and wished them all the happiness of the season.
Prizes were distributed to the winners. ASH team also
sang a traditional song for the elders. Towards the end
payasam and banana chips were served. Superior of the
home and the elders thanked HelpAge for organizing
such a lively and interactive programme. According to
the Old Age Home authorities this was the first time
people from outside came to celebrate onam with the
residents. The happy and jovial faces of the elders were a
fitting tribute to the HelpAge initiative.
ASH Kerala Team
singing for the elders
The above true life story proves that many
elderly can be trained to carry out productive
activities that would be useful to them or
benefit their families, communities or
environment; activities that others would
often be unable or unwilling to do. Being
meaningfully occupied, many of the elderly
can be taught to keep boredom away.
Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the cause and
care of older people and in creating an age
friendly society as they have the right to be in
charge of their own lives inspite of frailty,
disability, isolation, financial circumstances
or social attitudes.
HI staff with SCA members
Elders happily preparing
flowers for Pookkalam
(Floral Carpet)
A traditional song &
dance performance
Elders actively
participating in the games
A get-together of office bearers of Senior
Citizen Associations (SCA) and daily
rd
visitors of ASH Centre was organized on 3
September 2012 as part of meet and greet
visit. They happily joined to decorate the
Agecare Service Hub frontage with flower
carpet and enjoyed sumptuous traditional
Onam Sadya (special onam lunch).
Enjoying traditional Onam Sadya
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Student Action for Value Education (SAVE)
A Film on Intergenerational Bonding
One of the most eagerly
awaited movies of the year,
'Ustad Hotel', had made
waves among the public with
its powerful message on
Intergenerational Bonding.
The movie scripted by Anjali
Menon narrates the bonding
of an old man who runs a
hotel at the Kozhikkod beach with his grandson. Thilakan played the role of
an aged man in the movie. Dulqar Salman, son of mega star Mammooty is the
hero and Nithya Menon is the heroine of the feel good flick, which have a gang
of youngsters in its cast lines. The songs 'Appangal Embaadum' and 'Vaathili'
set to music by Gopi Sundar are chart toppers.
Mr.Venugopalan, YP(SP); Dr.Feby Mathew, Consultant Physiotherapist; and
Ms.Athira.P.Mani, Helpline Counsellor, organized the SAVE programme of
intergenerational bonding at St. Teresa's Mercy Home, Ernakulam along with
the crew members of the Film. They had a wonderful interaction with the
residents followed by song from the movie rendered by the original play back singer. Students of St: Antony’s H S S,
Kacherippady entertained the grans and also livened up the mood of the gathered. Later the residents were served
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Biriyani - a speciality of the Ustad Hotel, by its crew. The press and TV channels were in full attendance. On 17 this
program was telecasted in the following TV channels - Manorama Vision (7.30pm), Indianvision (8.30pm), Kairali
People (8.30pm).
SCHOOL STUDENTS TO THE AID OF ELDERLY
The students of Saraswathy Vidhyalaya Senior Secondary school, Thiruvananthapuram joined hands with
Helpage India to support destitute grans. Correspondent of the school Mr. G. Rajmohan, handed over a
cheque for Rs.1 lakh to HelpAge India. Principal Mrs. Shilaja.O.R and 2 beneficiaries of HelpAge India
were also present on the occation. HelpAge India, Dy.Director(Prog.) Mr. John E Daniell received the
cheque and congratulated the students for their great support towards the cause of the elderly. Mr.Sino
Antony, Sr. Manager of Help Age India coordinated the programme in the school.
Cheque Handing over ceremony
Mr. John E Daniell, Dy.
Director (Prog) addressing the
students
School students in the
morning assembly
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Student Action for Value Education (SAVE)
School students interact with adopted grans
34 students (22 boys and 12 girls) along with 3 teachers of Vidya Vikas School, Karukadom, visited the
adopted grans of Pandara Colony near Karukutty, Angamaly under the SAVE programme on
29/09/2012. The students distributed the provisions and pocket money to the elders. They entertained
the grans with variety programmes , distributed sweets and also interacted with the elderly.
Empowerment through Computer literacy
Smt. Saraswathyammal, aged 52, a regular student in the
computer literacy classes conducted at Agecare Service
Hub (ASH), Kochi got placed as a receptionist in a dental
clinic. The job opportunity was offered by a visitor to ASH
Center. The job offer was given after seeing the bio-data
typed by her at the ASH Center. She had learned Micro soft
Word, Excel, Power point and internet.
Previously Saraswathyammal lost job due to lack of
computer literacy. Now the ASH Center empowered her to
face oldage with dignity.
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Heritage Tour / Picnic
The 1st recreation tour during 2012-2013 organized by Kochi Age Care Service Hub
(ASH) for the senior citizens in and around Kochi was indeed an unforgettable
experience for all participants. The tour was to Thrissur Art Museum, Zoo and Peechi
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Dam. This was conducted on 19 of September, 2012. The trip started at 8:00 am from
Ernakulam. 35 Senior citizens from Adarsh Colony, Kakkanad were the beneficiaries.
The trip started with a small prayer followed by chain of traditional songs by elders.
Later they enjoyed a movie as many were not able to watch anything of their interest at
home as grand children watch cartoon, sports, wrestling etc and ignore their grans
demands. Latest comedy movie “Mayamohini” was played for themin the bus.
Meanwhile sweets and light snacks were served.
The Thrissur Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and home to the wide variety
of animals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo compound includes a natural history museum
and an art museum that showcase the socio-cultural heritage of the region. Wildlife at
the Thrissur zoo includes tigers, lions, leopards, jackals, deers, monkeys,
hippopotamus, emu, pelicans, peacocks, parrots, painted stork, goose, swan, tortoise,
crocodile, mithun of the north-eastern hills, porcupines and lion-tailed macaques.
There is also a special building which houses snakes [cobras, kraits, vipers, rat
snakes]. Most of the elders were coming out of Ernakulam for the first time and they
were excited to see the wild animals so closely. After visiting the zoological garden
and museum, all headed to the well known Hotel Heritage Candles for a sumptuous
lunch. The merry commotion inside the bus invited a lot of curious onlookers. The
journey ended at 6.30 p.m and their beaming faces revealed that each and every one
had the most satisfying trip in their life.
This program was very effective in addressing the raging issue of boredom among the
older people. It also restored their self confidence. Encouraging the elders to take part
in the various recreational activities, saw a significant improvement in their self worth
and value, it also served as a platform to chisel their skills. The more active elderly are,
the more likely they are to be satisfied with life, this was the major inspiration for
taking up this program. For many elders the heritage tour organized by ASH, Kochi
was first of its kind in their life as often the children prefer to travel without the parents.
The tour has enabled them to mingle with their own age group and relive their past,
forget the present and look forward to the future with hope.
ONIAL
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HelpAge India - AdvantAge Card
HelpAge India is launching a new program – an
affinity card for senior citizens.The HelpAge
affinity card is called the AdvantAge card. An
affinity card is a card which allows special
privileges to a group of people – the card
members. This program is being launched to
benefit the retirees and would be retirees .The
card members will be able to get more out of their
retirement incomes and pensions.This card will
try to give the card holders discounts on many products and services offered by the companies which had
signed up with this program. The products and services include those which are of specific interest to the
senior citizen groups, such as medicines, physiotherapy, hospitalisation, entertainment, clothing etc.
DDRC SRL Diagnostic Services" signed MOU
"DDRC SRL Diagnostic Services" signed MOU
with HelpAge Advantage Card. DDRC SRL is
India's leading diagnostic lab network and has 72
branches spread across Kerala; including a few
in Tamil Nadu.
DDRC SRL will provide 15% discount on all
Diagnostic tests (except SRL Mumbai and MYO
Lab USA – send outs) to the ADVANTAGE CARD
members.
Mr. Joy Joseph, Managing Director of DDRC SRL
Diagnostic Services Pvt Ltd handling over the
ADVANTAGE CARD MOU to Mr. Biju Mathew,
State Head (Kerala), HelpAge India
Introducing Advantage Card programme
Dr. Feby Mathew, Physiotherapist, HelpAge India, Kochi
sharing information on Advantage Card programme to
members of Senior Citizens Association, Vytila. All the
members happily received the Advantage Card Enrollment
form and returned it within one week.
Computer Literacy
Mrs. Sheela and Mrs.Thulasi G Menon
learning the basics of computer from Mr.
Saiju C X, IT Coordinator. Computer
literacy classes are meant to make
elders computer friendly. Basic literacy
includes e-mail, Microsoft word, Internet
browsing etc. Presently there are seven
regular “elderly students”.
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K L D
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PHYSIO
CARE
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SERVICES
WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY
ASH Kochi organized an awareness talk for the members of Little Flower Senior Citizens Forum,
Elamkulam as a part of World Physiotherapy Day on 8th September 2012. Around 35 elders attended
the programme. Col. A G Joseph president of the SCA welcomed the gathering. The topics covered
were introduction to physiotherapy and the need of physiotherapy for elderly. The talk was lead by Mr.
Feby Mathew, Physiotherapy Consultant, HelpAge India. Elders were eager to note down the exercises
that can be performed in common geriatric ailments like diabetes, hypertension, periarthritis, stroke
etc. For many it was an opportunity to understand more about physiotherapy and its necessity in old
age. Many have agreed to come to ASH Kochi for further treatment. The session was over by 5:15pm.
CASE STUDY
Mr. Paul P. F. 60yrs was suffering from shoulders pain and stiffness for the last 6
months, he was doing homely remedies and exercises regularly but there was no signs
of improvement in the condition. It was difficult for him to perform overhead
activities. Mr. Paul is a member of Senior Citizen Forum, Tripunithura, came to know
about HelpAge India's Agecare Services Hub – medical consultation, physiotherapy
etc. He consulted the Orthopedician at Age Care Services Hub and the doctor advised
him to do physiotherapy for both shoulders and neck as he showed the signs of cervical
spondylosis too. He was assessed in the physiotherapy centre and was given treatment
for Periarthritis of shoulder. The treatment included SWD, US and manual shoulder
manual mobilization. He was also taught shoulder active exercises which can be
performed at home. Mr. Paul was also taught neck mobility and isometric exercises.
After 7 treatment sessions, there was much improvement in the condition, his joint
range of motion almost reached to the normal.
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012
Patients treated Treatment sessions
Old age homes Visited
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42
363
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Elders Helpline (1800-180-1253)
HELPLINE CALL DATA
July-September, 2012
Cumulative
Information/data query
Distress/Rehabilitation
Physio care
Shelter Assistance
Property Dispute
Advice/ Support
Assistive Device
Abuse/Violence
Financial Help
Legal Help
Volunteer Service
Official calls
Blank calls
Wrong calls
Others
Incoming follow up
Total
- 12
-1
- 13
-8
-4
-2
-3
-2
-3
-1
-4
- 14
-8
-2
- 27
- 38
Information / Data query
Distress / Rehabilitation
Counseling
Physio Care
Shelter Assistance
Property Dispute
Advice/ Support
Assistive Device
Abuse/Violence
Financial Help
Legal Help
Official calls
Blank calls
Wrong calls
Others
Incoming follow up
- 142
Total
- 29
-2
-2
- 21
- 10
-6
-2
-3
-2
-3
-2
- 44
- 20
-5
- 55
- 59
- 265
Case study
Ms. Sosamma aged 74 is a widow and is suffering from Asthma. Her husband died 38 years ago and she has
3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. After her husband's death she looked after the children with great difficulty. When
they were married she partitioned the house and 24 cents between her children. 8 cents were given to daugher,
house and 5 cents to elder son and remaining 11 cents of property to younger son. Later she met with an accident and
was hospitalized. After she was discharged she had difficulty in walking. The sons refused to take care of her and
she is now with her daughter who is economically backward than the brothers and is finding it hard to make both
ends meet. The case was referred to our Helpline.
The Counsellor met Sosamma and spoke to her daughter too. She wants some of the property back or
maintenance from her sons to meet her basic needs. The Helpline Counsellor has helped her to file the application
of Maintanence & Welfare of Parents and Senior citizens Act -2007 and is following it up for speedy redress.
Distribution of Assistive Devices
Case Study-1
Mr. George Lawrence,70 years paralysed after a stroke 8 months back and was bed
ridden since then. It was very difficult for the family members to shift him or cleaning
him although he was under physiotherapy treatment. His family friend knew about
HelpAge India’s Assistive devices service and requested for a wheel chair so that he
can be moved around in the house.
Case Study-2
Mr. Narayanan T K, 64 years was suffering from Chronic Renal
failure.Both his lower limbs were very weak so he couldn't walk or move around in
the house without a support. Each time the family members had to carry him to
the hospital for check up or dialysis. His wife Janaki heard about Helpage ASH
assistive devices services and he requested for a walker for easy mobility. The
walker was handed over to her on 31/07/2012.Now he is able to move around in
the house without much support.
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FREE MEDICAL CONSULTATION
Age Care Services Hub of HelpAge India has started free medical consultation
for senior citizens from 14 th August 2012.
A General Physician will be available on all Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. An
Orthopaedician will be rendering service on all Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The doctors are from Geriatric Solution , Ernakulam
Screening Camp for Elders
ASH Kochi organized a Health Screening Camp for the members of OASIS Senior
Citizen Forum at Athani. An awareness programme on General Diseases and Life
Style Diseases was also organized as part of the screening.
Dr. Andsee Anand, Chief Medical Officer from Geriatric Solutions was the
resource person for the awareness programme. He explained about General
Diseases as well as the Life Style Diseases which affects the elderly. The
participants cleared their doubts in the interactive session. Following the
awareness programme, screening tests for Blood Sugar, Uric Acid, Nervous
System function and Body Mass Index (BMI) was conducted. More than sixty
older people attended the screening camp. The ASH team as well as volunteers
from OASIS assisted the elders during the tests. Many elders were found to be in
need of regular medical checkup and were advised the same. The elders whole
heartedly thanked HelpAge for the programme and appreciated the activities
under the ASH.
Livelihood Seed Capital distribution for ESHGs at Kottayam
The distribution of livelihood seed capital for the ESHGs was
conducted at Kottayam Social Service Society, Thellakom on
18th August 2012. Rupees 3,29,000 was distributed to 14
ESHGs, which got permission from Ministry of Home Affairs. The
function was inaugurated by Mrs. Radha V Nair, District
Panchayath President of Kottayam
and Mrs. Sandhya
Banerjee, Block Panchayath President of Ettumanoor presided
over the meeting.
Mr. Biju Mathew, State Head, HelpAge India, Kerala delivered
the keynote address and Mr.John E Daniell, Dy.
Director,HelpAge India, Kerala, offered felicitation.
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MEDIA ROOM
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MEDIA ROOM
WISHING JOSEPH MATHEW
(Manager @ HelpAge India)
&
MELISSA
BLESSED AND HAPPY MARRIED LIFE.
Standing from left Venugopalan.M.K (Young ProfessionalSocial Protection); Saiju.C.X (Sr.Assistant); Robymon
Varghese Sr.Executive); Sino Antony (Sr.Manager); Biju
Mathew (Jt.Director & State Head (Kerala); John.E.Daniell
(Dy.Director); Ms.Leena John (Wife of John.E.Daniell);
Ms.Athira.P.Mani (Co-ordinator of Agecare Service Hub); Titus
(Son of John.E.Daniell); Ms.Anu.B.Mathew (Wife of Biju
Mathew); Ms.Honey Sino (Wife of Sino Antony)
For private circulation only.
This news letter is published by Mr.Biju Mathew, State Head (Kerala) for HelpAge India-Kerala State office at Kochi.
Editor : John E Daniell
Assistant Editor : Sino Antony
Advisory Committee: Joseph Mathew, Robymon Varghese
Editorial Board: Venugopalan M K; Dr.Feby Mathew; Athira P Mani; Seena Jose
Design & Layout: Saiju C X
HelpAge India,39/5370, 4th Cross Road, Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam, Kerala. Tel: 0484 4036118.Toll free: 18001801253
E- Mail: Kochi@helpageindia.org
Website: www.helpageindia.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HelpAge
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