Kannur: Paid homes for the elderly are coming up in the state with the aid of Social Justice department. The project was approved on the basis of a report submitted by the Senior Citizen Friends Welfare Association to the government. 

These centres are envisioned as safe spaces for elderly who are living alone and are able to pay for a means to live together with their peers. The centres are named ‘Vyo centres’, Amaravila Ramakrishnan, state general secretary of the Senior Citizen Friends Welfare Association said.

The inmates will need to bear the expenses like building rent and food. Water and electricity charges will be borne by the government. Medical examinations and treatments will be offered from government hospitals. Such institutions can also be set up with private participation. This is a project of significance in Kerala where 20 percent of the population is elderly.

The first among these centres will be established in Kannur. Senior Citizen Friends Welfare Association state vice president, Prof. K.A Sarla said that a building for this has been found in Keezhallur panchayat near the Kannur airport. Cooperation from Kudumbasree will be sought for preparation of food and creating employment opportunities, she added.