Senior Citizen Care (SCC)

The Senior Citizen Care (SCC) project offers an innovative approach to enhance the well-being of Nepal’s elderly population in coordination with Nagarpalika/Gaopalika. Central to this initiative is the involvement of Female Health Community Volunteers (FCHVs). The project aims to integrate FCHVs into a structured elderly care framework. The issues of elderly population by conducting a survey of all old age people (over 65 years) living in Lo Manthang Gaopalika, Upper Mustang, Nepal. 
A field survey with collaborative efforts between Kalasha Foundation, Switzerland and NIRI, in Lo Manthang Rural Municipality, Mustang will assess the frailty and disability levels among seniors. Specialized senior citizen care training modules will be introduced to FCHVs , ensuring the project’s cost-effective implementation. The project is led by a healthcare specialist who will provide the training also. By optimizing available resources, this innovative strategy ensures that senior citizens receive personalized, timely, and effective care – by developing a culturally appropriate, feasible intervention together with FCHVs and Gaopalika stakeholders.

Funding Support: Kalasha Foundation, Switzerland

Principal Investigator: Tulasi Acharya, PhD

Coinvestigators: Dr. Puspa Mani Kharal, Mr. Suraj Parajuli , Dr. Puspa Raj Pant, Dr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Dr. Serena Hartmann

Research Assistants: Ms. Nima Chhetin Gurun and Ms. Karsang Chime Gurung

Study Site: Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Upper Mustang, Nepal (3800m.)

Status: Ongoing