Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 8: The Elder Helpline 14567 has started functioning at WCD Control Room Building, VIP Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. This Helpline is dedicated to resolve issues related to senior citizens, ensuring their well-being and providing support and information. The Helpline has been initiated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Senior Citizen Division and operate from 8 am to 8 pm on all days of the week.
It has two key components, a Connect Centre/Call Centre that has Officers, who empathizes with the senior citizen and understand the problem faced by the senior citizen and field support that takes care of ‘on the field’ intervention that is required out of the service requested by the senior citizen.
The Social Welfare Director has appealed to the Senior Citizens, their caregivers or anybody representing the senior citizen to call and avail the Elder Line for various services which include (i) Information related to eldercare service providers, pension, elderly Govt. schemes, benefits etc, based on the caller’s requirements (ii) Guidance – guide senior citizens on pension (Social security pension) related issues (iii) Emotional support – the team would offer counseling support and if required, connect with partners specialized in those fields (for eg. Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists etc) (iv) Rescue & Reunion of Homeless Elderly – the team will facilitate the rescue of homeless senior citizens and arrange for their accommodation in Old Age Homes and facilitate the process towards reuniting the elder persons with the family and the problems and grievances of senior citizens are expected to be resolved expeditiously and help them age with dignity and joy.
