To bridge the expanding gaps in geriatric mental health treatment, NiMhans is set to introduce two pioneering initiatives-nimhans-vyomanasa Sanjeevani (VMS) Gruha, community field program and post-diagnostic dementia Center for Dementia (DIA) (DIA). These initiatives agree with the world day of Alzheimer’s disease, observed on 21st September
Psychiatric care on Prague
NiMhans program – VMS Gruha will attract specialized psychiatric services directly to the homes of older citizens. While initiatives like tele-manas have expanded their access to mental health care, they do not reach those who cannot travel. This gap, said experts, will now be solved by a specialized team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses who will visit homes, provide subsequent evaluation, consultancy and assisted consultations with tele-psychiatricians.
This team will provide services while trained volunteers will help raise awareness and provide basic mental health support. NiMhans trainees will also be sensitized to the unique needs of older adults.
PT Sivakumar, professor of psychiatry and geriatric psychiatric manager in Nimhans, said on Saturday on Saturday that the program, funded through philanthropic contributions of 1.2 Crore, each of the prominent psychiatrists who had previously been with Nimhans were in Australia who were previously in Australian, pilotorized, pilotorized, pilot. The Australian Gulf, which was in the Gulf of Australia, which was in the Gulf of Australia, in Australian. which has estimated older inhabitants 3 – 4 lakh. Services apply to homes and unfortunate elders, he said.
“The aim is to bridge the gap in treatment in geriatric mental health and ensure the continuity of care. We want to create a sustainable model that can be expanded throughout the city with the participation of government and community. For more information about this service, people can call 99004 18922 during working hours,” Sivakumar.
Promotion of postdiagnostic dementia
The PoodInostic Center for Dementia will provide families with structured support after the diagnosis of dementia-phase, when most remain to be equal to themselves. The center has developed with the support of CSR and in cooperation with DIA and offers advice, care planning, care and therapy training such as cognitive stimulation, art, music and culturally relevant interventions.
It is important that the center will expand the modest financial support to economically weaker families to facilitate care costs, along with links to social programs such as pensions and certification of disabilities. Groups of support of online carers and volunteer networks will further expand their range. The work has begun and is expected that the center will be functional within two months, said the doctor.
“Dementia care in India is largely left to families, with low structured support. Early structured post diagnostic interventions improve the quality of life and delay institutionalization,” said Ramani Sundaram, DIA Executive Director.
Radha S. Murty, President of Dia, added that the center aims to use more than 3,000 families every year and gradually develops in a sustainable model through philanthropy, foundations and partnership of the public and private sectors. For support, families can contact 81973 68965.
Increasing challenge
The Indian population is aging rapidly and is expected to have 340 million older adults (at the age of 60 and over) by 2050, of which 5.3 million will live with dementia since 2020. Yet more than 90% of older adults with mental health conditions remain due to stigma, lack of consciousness and poor accessibility.
“These initiatives are not just about clinical care; it is about promoting healthy aging, reducing loneliness and creating networks of community participation. It is time to take care of us once,” Sivakumar.
Both programs are in accordance with the statement of the World Health Organization from 2021–2030 as a decade of healthy aging, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable care for India’s elderly.
Published – September 2025 22:05
