Impact of health care on geriatric population and need for adult day care centers - a cross-sectional study of Kerala population

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization, proportion of the world’s population over 60 years is expected to
double from about 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. When compared to 42.34% increase in the working population in India,
the increase in number of elderly was found to be higher at 54.77% in the past 15 years. Poor understanding of elderly life in India
has led to a weak care and support system for them.
Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to find the feasibility of starting an Adult Day Care Center (ADC) in the study
area, find the cost of hospitalization for the elderly and also the cost of starting an ADC by proposing an ideal model of an Adult
Healthcare Center.
Methods: The study was conducted in Kanayannur taluk of Ernakulam district. Using simple random sampling, 398 elderly people
above the age of 60 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to understand their morbidity issues and corresponding
cost of care. Assessment of quality of life, disease burden and health-care expenditure and acceptance of ADC was done.
Results: The study included 205 (52%) males and 193 (48%) females. 60% of the elderlies had single/double/triple illness. 46%
of elderly people were keen to join the proposed ADCs. There was a significant correlation between cost of hospitalization and
diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.
Conclusions: The study clearly indicates the need for a comprehensive policy on geriatric patients in Kerala and the need for
setting up dedicated ADCs.