The Uttarakhand government has intensified its focus on the condition of old age homes across the state following reports of inadequate facilities and neglect of senior citizens. In response, the Housing Department is preparing a Senior Citizen Safe Housing Policy aimed at ensuring the rights, safety and dignified living of the elderly residing in such institutions.

A draft of the proposed policy has been prepared, drawing inspiration from successful models implemented in states such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The policy seeks to establish mandatory minimum standards for all government-run, non-governmental and private old age homes.

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Under the proposed framework, facilities will be required to maintain clean and structurally safe buildings, well-lit and ventilated rooms, hygienic kitchens, nutritious food, clean drinking water and age-friendly infrastructure. Regular health check-ups, availability of essential medicines, trained nursing staff, physiotherapy services, mental health counselling and 24-hour emergency care will be made compulsory.

The policy also provides for separate living spaces for men and women, accessibility features for persons with disabilities, fire safety measures, CCTV surveillance and smart safety systems such as panic buttons. A robust, time-bound grievance redressal mechanism will be introduced, allowing strict action against cases of negligence.

Once implemented, old age homes will be subjected to periodic inspections, grading and social audits. Institutions failing to meet prescribed standards will face action, while those performing well may be incentivised.

Inspections conducted in several old-age homes have revealed a lack of health facilities and trained staff. In some cases, complaints have surfaced regarding delays in providing medicines and medical treatment to residents. Officials noted that the absence of a structured system for registration, monitoring and accountability has weakened existing mechanisms.

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According to national survey data, nearly every second elderly person experiences loneliness. Urban areas of Uttarakhand have witnessed a growing number of senior citizens living alone due to migration and the rise of nuclear families. Studies indicate that about 14.3 per cent of the elderly live by themselves, particularly in the hilly districts where out-migration for employment is high.

Loneliness has emerged as a serious mental health concern, with national data suggesting that around 41 per cent of elderly individuals suffer from stress, depression or anxiety. The proposed policy aims to transform old age homes into secure and supportive spaces for elderly citizens who lack family support.