It is extremely important for all State Governments to have their own Guidelines, Standards and Policies on Eldercare including Care Homes and Home Care.
There are very few States and Union Territories in India who are working towards a more inclusive Elder Friendly society.
Whereas, the State Government has deemed it expedient to prescribe guidelines for operating Old Age Homes for Senior Citizens and protection of life and property of Senior Citizens residing in various senior citizen homes in the State of Sikkim.
And whereas, Section 19 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 envisage provisions of at least one Old Age Homes in each district to accommodate in such homes a minimum of 150 (One hundred fifty) Senior Citizens who are indigent. And whereas, the State Government has notified the Sikkim Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2014 for carrying out the purpose of the said Act.
According to rule 20 of the said rules all Old Age Homes in the State being run by the State Government or Non Government Organization with the help of the Government grants shall be liable to accommodate such Senior Citizens who are indigent or are referred for such accommodation. Now therefore, with a view to achieve the above mentioned objectives, the State Government is pleased to prescribe Operational Guidelines for Old Age Homes.
The document can be downloaded here (Sikkim - Operational Guidelines for Old Age Homes) or can be viewed below