Kerala is fast ageing with elderly population and increasing demands on fiscal, health and social security mechanisms. With the government working towards creating an age-friendly Kerala, it has constituted ELDERLINE- a national level helpline for the welfare of Senior Citizens. Being set-up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the National Institute of Social Defence and State governments. The helpline for senior citizens has been set up in Trivandrum under Department of Social Justice.

Senior citizens can contact the toll-free number 14567 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. The helpline will be functional throughout the week. The helpline will assist and comfort senior citizens, address their concerns and grievances. The program will be led by a team comprising of a Project Manager, Admin/Finance officer, Leaders, Field Response Officers and Call Officers. The Helpline will be called “Connect Centre” and they will steer interventions through Call Officers and Field Response Officers.

Services include:

Providing information, guidance, emotional support and field intervention. On receiving calls related to information or guidance the Connect Centre team will provide necessary services. Based on the nature of call, the call is redirected to professional counsellors, Legal service authority, etc. In case of rescue of abandoned elderly, our field team shift the elder person into nearby old age home and try to reunite with their family with the help of Police and other stakeholders. In case of any abuse calls, our field team will do a basic enquiry and help to file a complaint or any legal actions, if necessary. The helpline will work in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Police, Health department, Legal service authority, Local self-government, NGO’s, etc.

Government’s core objective is to create an environment where aged persons get care, protection, respect and relief as their right. Elder line will be a reliable platform that will make a positive change in the life of senior citizens by ensuring happy and healthy ageing.