Social workers familiar with the situation say creating more awareness, besides better implementation of the Act and fixing loopholes in it, would help bring solace to senior citizens left uncared for. What the law providesThe Maintenance Act is aimed at ensuring senior citizens, who cannot provide for themselves, have food, clothing, residence, medical attendance and treatment provided by their children or relatives. “However, due to the withering of the joint family system, a large number of elderly are not being looked after by their family. People must be educated about the Act, emphasised senior geriatrician V. S. Natarajan, who runs the Dr. V.S. “Even if they are suffering, most senior citizens are reluctant to go to court unless the abuse is very severe,” he says.

Source: The Hindu August 27, 2017 02:34 UTC