Hapless state: Elderly and homeless too

Nearly 8,693 cases filed by aged parents in Kerala from 2011 to 2016
Abuse of elderly populace, when they become physically dissociated and reclusive, is not a new story. The end result is a set of desperate seniors who slide into depression as they have nothing left to lead a dignified life. The problem is very visible even in a literate state like Kerala where the aged have approached maintenance tribunals for relief.
An analysis of the maintenance tribunals revealed that 8,693 cases were filed in Kerala of which 5,979 cases were settled by district-level tribunals from 2011-16.Thiruvananthapuram topped the list with 1,705 cases, followed by Ernakulam (1,388). Of these, 1,205 cases in Thiruvananthapuram and 1,137 in Ernakulam have been resolved till date. Of the 890 cases in Pathanamthitta, only 514 cases were resolved. The lowest number of cases was in Idukki (170) and Kasaragod (192).
Sample this. Seventy-year-old John P (name changed) was sent to an old age home by his children. One son was ready to accommodate the mother as she was a source of support in his household. The other son in Singapore couldn't take John abroad. Upset and angry at his family for abandoning him, John approached the tribunal seeking maintenance expenses. The family was asked to deposit a monthly income in their father's account.
Krishnan's story is right out of the movies. A well-to-do businessman who had several shops in the city was thrown out by his own children after he transferred all his properties in their name. Initially, his wife remained with their children but later came back to be with him. He approached the tribunal which reversed the property decision.
Such instances are common despite the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MPSCA), 2007 being in force. Under section 7 of the act, maintenance tribunals have been set up in each sub-division with revenue divisional officers as presiding officers. Now, many aggrieved parents are approaching tribunals for justice.
"We have been helping many persons file maintenance cases because most of them get carried away by affection. Children change once property changes hands. We have only one advice, write down a will. Say the property will be passed on to children after your death," said state coordinator of HelpAge Biju Mathew.
Mathew said that in case parents lacked money with only a house in their name, they could use the reverse mortgage option which will ensure them financial support without losing their home. Under this option, the bank will give the owner money when he/she mortgages the house to the bank. After the death of the owner, the children can claim the house after paying the dues.