Stepping away from the norm of placing the elderly in institutions, a new outlet which offers services to the elderly in their homes itself has been launched. ‘Sunrise Senior’, headed by T Someswaran, an accounting professional, who serves on the board of the organisation believes that the elderly should enjoy life from the comfort of their homes and not through the isolation of institutions.
“We didn’t want to break away from social norms, as Asians we are known for looking after the elderly,” he said pointing out that Sunrise Seniors, was launched to care for the elderly by offering services for clients within their own homes.
Being rated as the fastest aging population in South Asia, Mr. Someswaran said that though the caring of the elderly has traditionally centered around the frame work of families, with more youngsters seeking greener pastures abroad, this system he said was constantly coming under strain, giving way for institutions to take the place of such support systems.
The organization is among few places that offer services that could be tailored round the needs of each client and offered within their own surroundings. The packages offered by the organisation include services like looking after accounts of the elderly, arranging transport services to even simple chores such as doing laundry, or reading and even assistance to have a bath for those senior citizens who might be unable to undertake these daily activities due to physical constraints.
“The reason we came up with these services that focus on the elderly is that 70 % of our population are within the age of 60-65 years. Many nurses are now engaged in opening elders home as there is such a need,” he said. However, he added that the services will be initially focused at upmarket clients and offered to those within the Colombo area.
Located at No. 18 R.A De Mel Mawatha, the organisation said, its services are available 24 hours a day and throughout the week as well. |
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