JOIN USNow, help is available round the clock for the city’s elders in distress.
The Elders Helpline 1090 which was set up by the Bengaluru city police and Nightingales Medical Trust is extending its services 24/7. So far, the services were only available from 8 am to 8 pm.
“Most elders face some form of physical and emotional abuse and they are also becoming easy targets for crimes. A lot of elders have been requesting us to provide help at night as they feel most vulnerable during this time. Also, there are a lot of cases related to elders getting lost, physical and emotional abuse, being abandoned by family, etc. They believe having a support system at night will help them get immediate assistance and makes them feel secure. Hence, we decided to extend our services round the clock,” said Dr Radha Murthy, who was instrumental in founding the helpline.
“We have had a great response for the helpline as elders in distress feel secure and know help is at hand. We receive over 1,500 calls a month and around 20-30 calls on an average every day. Some call to get information while others complain of neglect and physical abuse. It is heartening to be able to help so many people every day,” said Swati Bhandari, project in-charge of the helpline.
Elders in distress can reach the helpline on 1090 (toll free)/080-22943226 or +91 9243737230.
The 24/7 helpline will be launched on Wednesday to mark its 15th anniversary by City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood.