Kudumbashree ropes in members to extend palliative care in Ernakulam

Kochi: As the elderly population is rising in the district, Kudumbashree will rope in its 2,300 members to extend palliative care to those in need in Ernakulam. Women from neighbourhood groups were identified for the purpose, and health department officials will provide them training. "The women can extend palliative care to those living in their own wards without travelling long distances, which discourages many from getting involved in the service. This is not a full-time job. They need to spend only two to three hours a day. We are yet to fix the remuneration for the service," said a Kudumbashree official. The initiative is part of Vinjana Keralam campaign, which aims to create jobs in various sectors. A total of 32,432 palliative patients were registered for care in the district. Of them, 27,137 patients still need care. Patients with old age, hypertensive disorder, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes mellitus, bedridden conditions, renal disease, parkinsonism, mental health issues, dementia, paraplegia and other diseases may receive care. The services also include skin care, wound dressing, giving simple exercises, positioning the patient, catheter removal, ensuring hygiene, bed baths, administering injections, infusions, nebulisation and other care.