Kudumbashree : Success Story of Harsham Care givers in ASHA Homes

Old age is often characterized as the second childhood. They always seek love, care and attention at this time even more than a child. In today’s world when both partners are working, taking care of the children and old has become a matter of concern.  The concept of day care, after school care, geriatric care homes and old age homes thus evolved to address the issue and is mushrooming everywhere.  Reliability and safety are the two key words when it comes to relationships. 

The brand image Kudumbashree Mission created over the years prompt many to enquire the possibility of establishing Kudumbashree geriatric care homes or providing care givers for home nursing.  As the sector provides opportunity for employment the Mission started the training course ‘General Duty Assistant (GDA) course and Harsham Geriatric care givers programme. 

The Mission provides training in Geriatric care to those interested women who have a passion in home nursing, & geriatric care in association with various accredited agencies.  The training is for 15 days in which 10 days’ theory and demonstration sessions and 5 days’ practical sessions and hands on training attached to hospitals. 

The Mission through the training agency ensures placement to the trained persons on one hand and encourages free lancing care givers on the other. Based on the interest of the trainees they can opt wage or self-employment.

Harsham Care givers in ASHA CARE Homes

7 Kudumbashree women who have completed the ‘Harsham’ Geriatric care givers programme was placed in ASHA CARE HOMES an agency in the field of elderly care in Trivandrum.  The agency recruited women through interviews, analyzing the passion and commitment they have in the field. 

The women have the option to work in shifts i.e., 8 AM to 4 PM or 9 AM to 5 PM at day time or they can take night shifts at ‘Asha Care Homes. They even can do home nursing services at houses.  Uniform, identity card and other social security aspects are ensured for the care givers.

The members are paid Rs. 9000 as salary for an eight hour shift and double the pay for 24-hour service. 

According to the Director of the ASHA Homes, they are satisfied with the service offered by the Kudumbashree women.  “The old age people needs comfort, peace and good care.  I need women who have a passion in the field.  I had handpicked the women from the training centre’’. Says the Director.

A word with Sunitha, A Harsham care giver

Smt. Sunitha was extremely happy when she heard that someone came to meet her to know about her job satisfaction and to document as a care giver.  Her smile reflects the beautiful smile of a child. The blue uniform she wore and the logo of the agency embedded in it and the way she behaves calls for a professional approach.  She was asked questions about how she came to know about the project, her educational background, the quality of training, how she got placement, her satisfaction in the job, the family support, her work timings etc. 

Sunitha is one among those who have completed a GNM course from a fraudulent institute.  She lost money, no certificate for the course and no job.  The only way left her was to get married and be a house wife taking care of children and parents.  She tried for jobs but in vein as she does not have a degree or certificate to place.  Someone in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has informed her about the Harsham Care giver course and motivated her to attend the course as there is a chance to get a job.  Sunitha though reluctant at first, decided to attend the training. She completed the 15-day course conducted in association with NIMS hospital and she was selected by Asha Care Homes at the end of the training itself.

She told that the job itself was the turning point in her life. Though she worked in small jobs that is not relevant on what she studied, the present job gives her satisfaction as she is able to earn and contribute to the family.  Her family doesn’t want her to take night shifts or work as home nurse in any houses.  So she prefers to work in the Care centre itself.

 She was able to give some money to her father and bought dresses for her kids during the last Onam. According to her this the happiest moment in her life. “What else do I need than giving something from my earnings?!” She exclaims with joy.

 Many had got cheated like her selecting institutes that offer courses that are not valid or accepted by the University.  They can avail opportunities like Harsham or similar ones that offers livelihood. This is Sunitha’s message to the aspiring women. She is one among those who are bringing smiles to those who are in their second childhood at Asha Homes extending geriatric care.