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I am very glad to be in this wonderful country.”

In an article titled, ’An Aging-in-Place Strategy for the Next Generation,’ the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) says, “The trend of aging in place is gaining popularity and credibility around the world. People over age 65 remain in their existing homes or with family, abetted by responsive, flexible, technology adept home care services. The experiences and outcomes are as good as, or even better than those of residents in assisted-living facilities or nursing homes – and the costs are lower, too.”

These services are provided in two ways, one is with the help of advanced digital and clinical technology that includes predictive analytics, camera and sensors that monitor the elder’s safety, and tele-health for consultation and other services. The other approach is by providing a holistic group of services related to health care values. These include clinical services such as access to nurses, primary-care doctors, and specialists. Also included is personal care and daily living assistance and social care, transportation, help with shopping, and providing opportunities to connect with others. The Aging in Place model allows people to live more independently in their homes and communities in a residential care setting. The BCG article says that recent studies indicate that even while contemplating a future in which they may need regular assisted living, 60% of elderly people prefer to age in their own homes. They however worry if they will be able to do so.

Aging in Place is certainly an attractive and preferred option, however availability of quality services at an affordable price is a concern. We are aware of the rising cost of home nursing services in our country with uncertain quality of services and staff training. As the BCG study says, “The biggest hurdle is getting the support structures in place to make it feasible.” It requires collaborative partnership between governments, businesses and not for profit organisations (NGOs) something that may be a mountain of a challenge to surmount.

UDHAVI is a home care service in Chennai founded by Sabita Radhakrishna in 2013.

To be continued....