The then Haryana chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, launched the “Samarth Vridha Seva Ashram Yojana” to provide senior and super-senior citizens with comprehensive healthcare, including housing facilities in six locations of the state. The scheme gives priority to people aged 75 and above. Khattar also launched the “Mukhyamantri Matritva Sahayata Yojana” to support pregnant and lactating mothers with a one-time payment of Rs 5,000. People from the SC and ST communities, differently-abled people, and those below the poverty line (BPL) can apply.

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Here are the salient features of the scheme:

Nutrition: The beneficiary receives food items daily in sufficient quantities (an average of 1,700 calories and 50 grams of protein) based on local conditions. The government pays the implementing agency Rs 2,500 per beneficiary for the food. Each resident gets food worth Rs 30,000 annually; however, this can change depending on demand and price increases.

Medical Facility: Every assisted living facility has first-aid kits, glucose and blood pressure monitoring tools, scales, prescription drugs, and other supplies. To handle the medical needs of residents, the implementing agency ensures the presence of a doctor in each old-age home or collaborates with the nearest civil hospital or accredited hospitals. However, residents must register with the implementing agency to be eligible for medical services.

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Assisted Living Devices: The implementing agency can request these devices from the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO) through the district administration. It provides wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hearing aids, dentures, glasses, and assistive devices to the elderly.

Entertainment: These homes for older people provide books, magazines, newspapers, etc. They also have cable TV, internet, and a separate reading room. The assisted living homes also organise outings and games and celebrate the residents’ birthdays to promote social activities.

Security: These homes also ensure adequate security within and outside the property.

Clothing: The residents bear the cost of personal clothing. However, the implementing agency may provide additional clothing items, considering the local climate.

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Sanitation and Allowance: There are separate toilets for females and males, with at least one Western-style commode and railing facilities for easy access. The floors have anti-slippery tiles and railings for safety. All rooms, verandahs, kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets are cleaned daily. The residents also receive Rs 1,000 monthly under the Old-Age Samman Scheme.