The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is stepping up to address the growing challenge of geriatric mental health with two groundbreaking initiatives. Launching on World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21, these pioneering programs include “NIMHANS–VMS Gruha,” a community-focused outreach effort, and a specialized Post-Diagnostic Dementia Care Centre, developed in partnership with the Dementia India Alliance (DIA).
Bringing Specialized Psychiatric Care Directly to Homes
The “NIMHANS–VMS Gruha” program is designed to deliver expert psychiatric services directly to senior citizens’ doorsteps. Recognizing that existing initiatives like Tele-MANAS don’t always reach homebound individuals, this new program will deploy a dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses. They will conduct home visits, offer follow-up assessments, provide counseling, and facilitate tele-psychiatry consultations.
This specialized team will be complemented by trained volunteers, who will play a crucial role in raising awareness and offering basic mental health support within the community. Furthermore, NIMHANS trainees will receive specific education to understand and address the unique mental health needs of older adults.
Dr. P.T. Sivakumar, Professor of Psychiatry and Head of Geriatric Psychiatry at NIMHANS, shared details of the program, highlighting its significant philanthropic backing. Each contributing ₹1.2 crore, Padma Shri awardee Dr. C.R. Chandrashekar and Dr. Srikala Bharath (currently in Australia), both esteemed former NIMHANS psychiatrists, have made this possible. The initiative will first be rolled out in Bengaluru South Corporation, an area home to an estimated 3 to 4 lakh elderly residents, and will also extend its vital services to old-age homes and vulnerable seniors.
“Our primary goal is to close the existing treatment gap in geriatric mental health and ensure uninterrupted care for our senior population,” explained Dr. Sivakumar. “We aim to establish a sustainable model that can eventually be replicated city-wide through collaborative efforts with both government bodies and community members. For details, individuals can contact 99004 18922 during business hours.”
Comprehensive Post-Diagnostic Dementia Care
The newly established Post-Diagnostic Dementia Care Centre offers much-needed structured support for families navigating a dementia diagnosis—a period where many feel isolated and overwhelmed. This center, a collaboration with DIA and backed by CSR initiatives, will provide a holistic suite of services. These include expert counseling, personalized care planning, specialized caregiver training, and a variety of therapeutic interventions such as cognitive stimulation, art therapy, music therapy, and culturally appropriate activities.
Crucially, the center will also offer modest financial aid to economically disadvantaged families, helping to alleviate the burden of caregiving costs. It will also help connect families with essential welfare programs like pensions and disability certification. To further expand its impact, the center will facilitate online caregiver support groups and foster robust volunteer networks. According to doctors, the groundwork is already in progress, and the center is anticipated to begin operations within the next two months.
Ramani Sundaram, Executive Director of DIA, emphasized the critical need for this initiative: “In India, dementia care predominantly falls on the shoulders of families, who often receive minimal structured support. Timely and organized interventions after a diagnosis can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia and potentially postpone the need for institutional care.”
Radha S. Murthy, President of DIA, highlighted the center’s ambitious goals, stating that it aims to directly support over 3,000 families annually. She also noted plans for the center to grow into a self-sustaining model, supported by ongoing philanthropy, endowments, and strategic public-private collaborations. Families seeking support can reach out via 81973 68965.
Addressing a National Health Challenge
India faces a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating 340 million adults aged 60 and above by 2050. Alarmingly, 5.3 million individuals were already living with dementia as of 2020. Despite this growing need, over 90% of older adults with mental health conditions do not receive treatment, primarily due to persistent stigma, insufficient awareness, and inadequate accessibility to care.
“These initiatives extend beyond mere clinical treatment,” Dr. Sivakumar affirmed. “They are fundamentally about championing healthy aging, combating loneliness, and fostering vibrant community engagement. It’s time we offer the same care and support to those who once cared for us.”
These forward-thinking programs align perfectly with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of 2021–2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing, underscoring the urgent global need for comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable care models for elderly populations, especially in nations like India.