Kudumbashree : Success Story of a Harsham Geriatric Care

Finding livelihood through Geriatric Care: Success Story of a Harsham Geriatric Care Executive of Kudumbashree Mission

Smt. Mumtaz belonged to a family who had been doing business in Dubai for years. She completed her studies and was brought up in Dubai itself. But unfortunately, she had to return to Kerala along with her husband and kids following a financial crisis in their business. After returning, she was trying hard to make up the issues and settle their future. And then Kudumbashree Mission saved her life. Mumtaz became part of the Harsham Geriatric Care Programme of Kudumbashree Mission.

What is Harsham Geriatric Care Programme?

Harsham Caregivers for eldercare is an innovative and a flagship programme of Kudumbashree which gives livelihood opportunities to many committed Kudumbashree members. Elder persons will get a decent and respectful post retirement life with the support of care giver. The family of the elders will also be able to focus more on their activities at the same time they can live stress free as there are some skilled and reliable persons at home to support the parents. The availability of reliable and trained persons in elderly care is a matter of concern. Also, the needs of the elderly persons are not about medical care, but it varies considerably. Loneliness, support for payment of bills & banking transactions, support for daily chores & medical care are some of the issues they are facing. Kudumbashree Mission analyzes it as a social issue and addressing it will find employment to women in the network.

‘Harsham-Geriatric Care’ a project for elderly care is therefore designed as an enterprise for geriatric care across the state addressing the issues of aged and elderly. The Geriatric care givers can help elderly by running routine errands, and providing a helping hand with the everyday tasks that often become more difficult for the elderly thereby bringing companionship, relationship building and sharing, humor and a sense of purpose back into the lives of the clients.

Fighting back the fate

Mumtaz got trained as part of Harsham Geriatric Care Programme of Kudumbashree Mission and now she is working as the Geriatric Care Executive of Aster Medicity Hospital situated in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Now, she is earning a monthly salary of Rs 15,000.

Mumtaz hailed from Venmanad of Pavaratty of Thrissur district of Kerala. After returning to Kerala, her husband Manaf started working as an outdoor salesman of a private company. During then Mumtaz decided that she should also find a job of her own. It was during then, Mumtaz came to know about Kudumbashree Mission and later became part of the same. She participated in the three-day training programme held at Pavaratty Panchayath.

She later started working with the Community Development Society (CDS) of Pavaratty Panchayath and it was during then she came to know about Harsham Geriatric Care Programme. She then participated in the training session of Harsham Geriatric Care Programme held at Alappuzha district along with other 24 Kudumbashree members hailing from Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam and Idukki districts of Kerala. She was given training in testing blood pressure, diabetes, first aid, physiotherapy, meditation etc. which are needed to be trained in for being a Geriatric Care Executive.

On successfully completing the training she secured the ‘Harsham Care Giver’ Certificate, identity card and uniform. Within a week, she applied in ‘Sukoni’ who was entrusted for providing patient care services to Aster Medicity. On identifying her talents during the interview, she was given the job of Geriatric Care Programme with a salary of Rs 15,000 a month.

Mumtaz has proved that it is possible to make a difference and become successful in life, if one has the willingness to do the same even if fate pulls back. She has also become a role model to many like-minded women. By extending opportunities to many women like Mumtaz, Kudumbashree Mission is giving wings to the dreams of many.