A comparative study of elderly care policies and their implementation: A social work perspective

Abstract

The demographic shift towards an aging population in India necessitates robust policies and effective implementation strategies to address the multifaceted needs of older adults. This paper presents a comparative study of key elderly care policies from a social work perspective. Focusing on the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP), and National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE), the analysis explores their objectives, implementation challenges, and impact on enhancing the well-being of older citizens. These policies vary in scope, with NPOP emphasizing financial security and rights protection, while the Maintenance Act mandates familial support and institutional care provisions. IPOP promotes community-based services and social inclusion, contrasting with NPHCE’s focus on healthcare accessibility and quality. Challenges such as funding constraints and regional disparities in service delivery are identified, underscoring the need for improved implementation strategies and resource allocation. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing policy effectiveness through stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and continuous evaluation, highlighting the critical role of social workers in advocating for elder care rights and ensuring equitable support across diverse demographic contexts.