Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

This is a scheme whereby the Ministry of Social Justice distributes assistive devices to disabled senior citizens in camps organised for this purpose. Please read some info from the ministry published recently.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Shri Gehlot said that this new Central sector scheme has been formulated in pursuance of the Budget 2015-16 announcement and is 100% funded by the Central government. This scheme aims at providing Senior citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related disability/infirmity viz. Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and locomotor disability, with such assisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. This scheme first of its kind in the country, is expected to benefit 5,20,000 senior citizens over a period of three years. These devices will distributed free of cost in Camp mode. It will be launched on 1st April, 2017 in District Nellore in Andhra Pradesh followed by on 8th April, 2017 in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. 

My observation on the above: MOSJE has always been  partial in its dealings with senior citizens and disabled persons. They allocate and spend money disproportionate to the population of these two sections under ministry control. See my note here made some years ago. This disparity and injustice continues.

Ministry on its own has scheme for distributing assistive devises to the disabled. That work being done for senior citizens among the disabled is now getting highlighted as if some great benefit is extended to seniors. It helps only disabled and only those in BPL category and that too distributed over many years. Even in initial three year period not even a third of disabled senior citizens will be covered. If the ministry is serious about it, why not distribute assistive devices to all disabled senior citizens in one year -- through state govt departments, instead of several camps over many years?

Do you agree? Please share your views.

ALIVE: Elder Friendly Solutions

Here is a contribution about an organisation that provides services like sale of assistive devices, improving or modifying home for seniors' use, home based soltions, retirement communities etc.

It is from Bala of ALIVE His contact and email  are at the bottom of this write-up

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ALIVE: ELDER FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS

Thank you for reaching out to Alive. Please find attached our catalogue for your reference.

Here is a brief intro about our organisation.

Alive, is India's first complete ageing solutions company. At Alive, our mission is to create a positive change in the life of elders by enabling a safe, vibrant and happy life through successful ageing. We have four key verticals. They are 

·  AliveKart

·  Alive HomeSolutions

·  Alive LifeSpaces

·  Alive Foundation

I am giving a brief about each of the vertical below along with some of the key products.

ALIVEKART

AliveKart is a pioneer in innovative products for seniors. Our online store has a range of products which we have improvised to suit the needs of elders.

Some of our unique offering are

1.       Senior & Diabetic Friendly Footwear,

The major features of the range is included below.

·         . Insoles made of extra soft Micro Cellular Polymer for superior comfort

·         Three width options to accomdate different foot sizes

·         Premium velcro straps

·         Synthetic Non Allergic Leather to ensure no reaction to skin

·         Padded Inners for superior comfort

·         Robust Polyurethane Soles

(Please click on the link https://www.alivekart.com/collections/apparel to know more)

2.       EasyPotty is an innovative toilet stool which can help elders with constipation and other bowel related issues.  A brief on the product is with the below image.

(Please click on the link https://www.alivekart.com/products/easypotty-motion-stool-7  to know more)

3.       Grab Bars: Alive brings to you a premium range of home grab bars and supports. 135 Deg Grab Bar be used in your bathroom and closet to offer sturdy support. A premium off white color on a ridged handle ensure sufficient grip even with wet hands.The versatile grab bars are made of a 1.5mm SS rods with a nylon coat. They also come with a one year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

(Please click on the link https://www.alivekart.com/search?type=product&q=grab+bars to know more)

4.       Sugarless Sweets: Alivekart has the widest range of sugarless sweets. From Jangiri to Kajukathli, we have a complete range which has been tested and certified.

(Please click on the link https://www.alivekart.com/collections/sugarless-sweets  to know more)

We are also planning to launch a range of adaptive Men’s Wear for elders and a range of feet rejuvenating gel socks shortly.

ALIVE HOME SOLUTIONS

Alive HomeSolutions: In India, a study shows that prevalence of falls among adults above 60 is as high as 53% and most of the falls reported occur at home. They lead to 20% to 30% of mild-to-severe injuries like hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and upper limb injuries. With some key modifications your home can go a long way in ensuring a safe living space for our elders.

At Alive Home Solutions, we believe being proactive is the best way forward as we age. It is an initiative that aims to provide an environment within your home to make your daily living a safe, convenient and comfortable experience.

The proprietary ‘Alive Home Assessment Methodology' (AHAM) identifies the specific needs of every elder at home; and suggests necessary modifications for preventive refurbishment. This unique assessment intervention approach will help you take the first few steps to safety and independence in your daily routine.

Preventive Refurbishment provides the right support and infrastructure to modify your home according to the needs of your advancing years. With safety as our primary focus, most of the solutions we offer revolve around ensuring that you stay safe from accidents and falls.We believe one’s independence & ability to stay in their own space without assistance, is a real joy.Indeed, long term health and agility is the most perfect & perceptive gift that can be given to elders at home.

You can view a video of how Alive HomeSolutions work by clicking on the below link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9COyzMv2xco

ALIVE LIFESPACES

Alive LifeSpaces: We are coming up with a state of the art living space, in Trivandrum to begin with. As a part of the naturally landscaped region of Kerala, Trivandrum fits into all that you want in your retirement years. The fresh, pleasant and serene environment that is peaceful makes you feel vibrant yet relaxed.

ALIVE FOUNDATION

 Alive Foundation: Growing old can be a beautiful experience and a lot of positive energy can be generated through this journey. Age is just a number and everything rests in how one looks at the advancing years. So at Alive we believe that elders should be active and socially connected to enjoy their golden years. We believe that anyone with a goal in life is more productive and forward looking. You would agree that it is just the perfect time to share & add value by transferring the knowledge to the next generation. At Alive Foundation, we strive to spread awareness about retirement life and its importance. The Foundation has been set up to drive the following objectives:

·         Social Interventions to improve the quality of life of elders

·         Awareness towards Care, Respect & Love for them

·         Research and development of new products and services which can enable a better life every day

Alive Foundation aims to work closely with Institutions and Government bodies to achieve these objectives.

Regarding the video which you had shared, we are working on an innovative offering for stair climbing. We will share the same with you shortly.

We are available if you need any further inputs or clarification. 

Kind Regards,

Bala Subramanian

+919840734490

bala@aliveworld.co

Sayani Surgicals - One stop shop for Disability Aids

Recently a friend of mine asked me to refer a shop where her friend can buy Folding type of Walker. She said  the requirement was urgent. I gave two addresses and contact numbers: one Balaji Surgicals near Bata Show Room in Vikram Puri and another Sayani Sugicals near Shadaan College in Khairatabad - both in Hyderabad.

After a week I rang up my friend to find out whether the addresses were useful. Normally I never do any follow up - be it giving info on Old Age Homes, suppliers of breakfast / meals at doorstep, agencies hiring bedside assistant / ayahs (semi skilled persons to take care of bed ridden old people), fixed deposit rates etc.I was pleasantly surprised  to learn that two persons immediately bought foldable walkers from Sayani Surgicals. They are Dr Gouri Namburi and Dr Hatti - both senior citizens with mobility problems, members of Senior Citizens Forum.

What was surprising is that both were senior citizens, doctors and as well patients / customers themselves; but they did not know that folding type of walkers are available. You can carry it in your car and start using it when you reach the destination. This info was a great relief and they bought it immediately.

My inkling is that merchants do not publicize much. They need to advertise. It is useful not only to them but also to others!!   www.sayanisurgicals.com has a whole range of mobility aids and worthwhile place to visit by senior citizens and their wards.

Devices / Gadgets for good health (assistive devices)

Anoop Verma's short review of "Gadgets for good health" in "Dignity
Dialogue" June 2011 issue is worth reading.

Variant types of thermometers (keep it in your ear type, keep near the
body (non-contact) type), wrist watches that measure your BP, Pulse
rate, are mentioned. When a Rs 50 mercury thermometer
will give the temperature, will you spend rs 2550 just for the
convenience of non-contact feature? Two similar products - Wrist based
BP monitors - from same company - Omron - are mentioned without bringing
out the differences between the two. One way in which I benefited from
the Article is that I came to know that Amazon is a good source for
such products too. I thought Amazon is only for books chiefly.
=========

Dignity Dialogue has come a long way in terms of: get up, contents,
presentation and currency of topics; There is a section on discounts available to
members - this is worth looking into. It is worth subscribing and get
your own copy.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Stop Elder Abuse: Wear Purple on June 15th !!

Mobility Aids

Mibility Aids from Pedder Johnson

Senior citizens face a series of health problems brought up due to ageing. They become less mobile due to many reasons. They may have a fall and may be bed ridden. They require a walking stick to support walking; They may use a walker during canvalescence, after a knee replacement surgery . They may have to be moved from one room to another in a wheel chairwithin their own homes or hospitals. They may be hospitalised after some surgery, Prolonged lying down may require back rest. They may be too week to get up and walk on their own. All such devices, tools and implements that help monility of persons are collectively called Mobility Products.

Pedder Johnsons of Mumbay is a leader in the field of mobility products. tHey manufacture and sell Walking sticks, Transfer boards, Fore Arm crutches, Air mattress, Shampoo basin, Protective Rubber Sheets, wheel chairs, Bathroom accessories like Arm support, grab bars, Folding comode etc. THe tools will be useful for senior citizens living alone, old age homes, hospitals, nursing homes, Pedder may be contacted at: PEDDER JOHNSON, 318, Swastik Chambers, Sion Trombay Road, Chembur, Mumbai-400 071. Tel: 022-25228857/59,

Fax: 022-2522 8858, Email: fordham@vsnl.in, marketingmanager@pedderjohnson.com