Published Oct 13, 2026 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2026 | 3:24 PM
The elderly comprises 18.2% of Kerala's total population, which is projected to touch 22.8% by 2036.
Synopsis: The Bill seeks to register, regulate and monitor different types of senior citizen care centres in the state, ensuring minimum standards and transparency in their functioning. It also aims to promote healthy and active ageing and strengthen support for family members and caregivers.
The Government of Keralam has introduced legislation to regulate elderly care services, standardise home-based healthcare and protect senior citizens from neglect, exploitation and abuse.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan introduced the Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, 13 October, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India and a promise fulfilled by the UDF government.
The House subsequently referred the Bill to Subject Committee VIII (Economic Affairs) for consideration, following a motion.
The Bill seeks to register, regulate and monitor different types of senior citizen care centres in the state, ensuring minimum standards and transparency in their functioning.
It also aims to promote healthy and active ageing and strengthen support for family members and caregivers.
Based on the statements and objectives, a key concern the legislation addresses is the lack of a structured regulatory framework for home-based elderly care.
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The sector has expanded rapidly in Keralam, with a growing number of agencies providing caregivers, home nursing, palliative care and other personal care services.
However, many caregivers lack formal training and the professional skills required to attend to bedridden patients, terminally ill persons and those with chronic illnesses, mental health issues or dementia.
The absence of uniform guidelines has also raised concerns over the quality and reliability of services.
The need for organised elderly care has become more pressing as migration for education and employment leaves many senior citizens living alone, often without adequate family support.
Also Read: An ‘ageing’ state braces to support its seniors
For some, home-based care remains the only practical option to continue living in familiar surroundings.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a legal framework for these services while safeguarding the dignity, health, housing, financial security and social rights of senior citizens.
It also aims to prevent their marginalisation and protect them from different forms of exploitation.
The Bill intends to bring elderly care services under a common regulatory framework and improve accountability across the sector.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
