Vridhcare, a non-profit organization, is celebrating its third anniversary of serving underprivileged elderly in both rural and urban areas across India. Over the past three years, Vridhcare has provided physical, emotional, and mental support to the aged through collaboration with numerous charity homes and corporations willing to help support this human venture. The aim is to help the senior citizens lead independent and productive lives.
Vridhcare is associated with 700+ old age homes across 25 states and UTs, serving over 50,000+ senior citizens. By partnering with these homes, the organization addresses several critical areas of concern for senior citizens, which are otherwise generally overlooked. For instance, with the impact of the accumulation of various molecular and cellular damage over time, elderly people are at an increased risk of disease and health decline. To reverse the situation, Vridhcare is currently supporting 563 old age homes in health and hygiene by providing adult diapers and medical equipment and organizing regular health checkups.
Gargi Lakhanpal, director, Vridhcare, feels “older people have a wealth of skills and experiences, they have lived through situations others cannot even imagine. So it’s important to remember that. Also, older people bring wisdom, calm, dependability and unconditional love that frame the views of the broader family and shape the future of younger generations. Ensuring their well-being isn’t only karmically right, it’s a smart thing to do.”
Vridhcare's impact on the elderly population in India is due, in part, to its focus on Maslow's Hierarchy. This well-known psychological theory outlines the fundamental human needs that must be met in order to achieve self-actualization. Maslow's theory divides human necessities into five categories: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Senior citizens face unique challenges as they age, including a decline in physical health, social isolation, and a lack of resources.
The organisation is supporting thousands of care homes for senior citizens to curb challenges pertaining to malnutrition, health and hygiene, water and sanitation, recreational activities, and self-sustainability. They are providing basic necessities such as eyecare and glasses, hearing aids, dentures and advanced medical help for conditions like Alzheimer's and Dementia. Such efforts foster healthy living and promote wholesome lifestyles.
Looking ahead, Vridhcare aims to build a network of over 1,000+ old age homes, working with them to serve over 1,00,000old age residents by 2024. The organization also aims to, through assistance and aid from medical community, perform 5000+ senior citizens' cataract surgeries free of cost and connect with over 50 corporate companies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by 2024.
Vridhcare has played a vital role in bridging the gap between caregivers and takers worldwide, connecting individuals and organizations, and providingvaluable resources. With a mission to make a difference in the lives of older people, Vridhcare envisions a brighter future for senior citizens, where they can lead self-sustaining, abundant, and fulfilling lives.
