Established in 2002, the Elders Helpline is a joint venture between the Bangalore City Police and Nightingales Medical Trust. It is a first-of-its-kind service in Bangalore, providing assistance to all senior citizens living within city limits. The Helpline propagates Nightingales Medical Trust’s vision of ensuring a life of dignity and security to all elders, by combating harassment and abuse.
All the services at this project are free.
“Holding hands, they visited the Helpline almost everyday. Mr. and Mrs. Muniappa had filed a complaint against their son, Rajan, for abuse. The elders had been living with Rajan who was abusive, sometimes even resorting to physical abuse. He would also refuse to allow his parents to meet with relatives or neighbors. After six years of harassment, Mr. and Mrs. Muniappa fled from their home to live with relatives. Their son ignored them and refused to contact them. After months of living out of their home, the couple contacted the Helpline.
Mrs. Muniappa had health problems. She would come limping to the Helpline with the hope that one day they would live peacefully in their own house. The staff contacted Rajan and understanding his fits of rage, started to counsel him. After numerous counselling sessions spread over four months, Rajan repented. Realising that both parents and son could not coexist together peacefully; the son was convinced to move out. The son has moved out and the parents now occupy their own house. With tears trickling down their cheeks, the couple returned to thank the Helpline.”
This is one of the 1150 successfully resolved cases of the Elders Helpline. Since its inception, we have received over 45047 calls, averaging at around 40 a day. Our committed staff comprises of social workers, counselors, volunteers, legal professionals and police personnel.
Services available at the Helpline:
- Prompt intervention when elders in distress call for help
- Timely support, reconciliation and reunion in family disputes
- Facilitating police intervention in serious cases
- Rehabilitation & counselling
- Interacting with other service agencies and government departments
- Information on personal security, medical issues and other daily needs
- Tracing down missing/ straying elders
- Creating awareness about elders’ rights, children’s responsibilities, responsibility of the public in minimising crime and violence
- Free legal advice on Saturdays
- Facilities for alternative dispute resolution methods
- Pension and Reverse Mortgage Help Desk
