Nightingales Medical Trust

Nightingales Medical Trust has set up Dementia Day Care Centers for the Elderly and Individuals with Dementia at multiple sites in Bangalore . These facilities are designed to cater to the activities of daily living and psychological requirements of individuals with dementia in a secure, elder-friendly environment, managed by skilled mental health experts.

NMT's Residential Dementia Care centres provides the whole range of services required to manage Dementia under one roof. The services include psychological interventions, social skills management, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy for elderly suffering from dementia. This centre has services like memory clinic for screening & assessment for dementia, short term and long term care for persons suffering from dementia, rehabilitation and training facilities.

The Mobile Active Ageing initiative, inspired by the ThinkingFit research conducted in the UK, presents a comprehensive program delivered by experts who visit Old Age Homes. This program is designed to enhance physical, mental, and social well-being through a scientifically formulated protocol. Its aims include reducing dementia risk, managing hypertension, diabetes, and depression, and preventing falls.
The Mobile Active Ageing unit is equipped with a fully-furnished vehicle, staffed by trained professionals, and furnished with all necessary tools and equipment required for conducting planned activities.
This program has garnered positive reception and significantly improved the quality of life for the residents of these facilities. annually around 650 elders in 32 old age homes are benefitted.

Amidst the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, numerous Senior Citizens have been confined to their homes, impacting their usual healthy routines. Acknowledging this challenge, Nightingales Medical Trust has revamped the Active Ageing program to be available entirely online. The program now includes physical and cognitive sessions encompassing a variety of engaging and inventive activities, allowing elders to interact socially through games and other interactive sessions.

Sandhya Kirana, a collaborative initiative of Nightingales Medical Trust with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (City Corporation), aims to rehabilitate economically challenged elders.
This day care centre caters to elderly individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, primarily focusing on facilitating their income generation and ensuring a life of dignity with access to adequate healthcare. Notably, the centre fosters strong emotional bonds among the elders who participate.
Currently located at Shanthigar, Nightingales Sandhya Kirana accommodates over 25 elderly individuals on a daily basis. Additionally, the center operates a Geriatric clinic, providing essential medical care to the underprivileged.
All services rendered at this center are offered free of cost.

The Elderline - Karnataka, an initiative acknowledging Nightingales Medical Trust's efforts in addressing Elder Abuse through the Elders Helpline 1090 in Bangalore, has been selected by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the National Institute of Social Defence. This selection entrusts Nightingales Medical Trust to manage the Karnataka branch of the National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
Operated through a technologically equipped central office housing a 10-seater call center, the helpline functions via the toll-free number 14567. Furthermore, regional officers stationed across various districts of Karnataka handle issues at the grassroots level, ensuring that seniors enjoy a life of dignity, devoid of abuse.

The incidence of dementia tends to rise with age. By the age of 65, approximately 1 in 20 individuals are affected, increasing to 1 in 5 by the age of 85.
Consequently, clinical and medical care services are likely to allocate more resources to cater to individuals with dementia, many of whom have intricate needs. However, with a better understanding of treatment and care strategies, there exists significant potential to enhance the quality of life for those affected. Training plays a pivotal role in dementia services.
The Training Department at NMT provides comprehensive training on dementia care and various aspects of mental health in old age, targeting the following groups:
• Health and social care professionals
• Managers and staff working in care homes
• Family members
The training programs amalgamate theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience.

NMT offers a comprehensive program in basic geriatric care, imparting skills in holistic elderly care. This course equips individuals to address health and psychological concerns, providing hands-on experience at NMT's elder care facility. The curriculum integrates an equal blend of theoretical concepts and practical training sessions.
Moreover, the course emphasizes managing individuals with chronic illnesses and severe medical conditions. Upon completion, participants should be proficient in bedside assistance for the increasing number of elderly individuals requiring care. Additionally, they will possess the skills to create employment opportunities by providing such essential services.

Nightingales Lifesaving Services (NLS) was established with the goal of raising awareness about Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and building a community of trained individuals capable of saving lives during emergencies.
Highlights of the programme:
• 3.5-hour Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training
• 4-hour training covering Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage
• 3.5-hour First Aid training
• 1-hour training for Dental students in Intravenous (IV) and Intramuscular (IM) techniques

Smriti gram is a Dementia Village being set up near Dodaballapur, around 50kms from Bangalore. This pioneering initiative aims to accommodate 100 elders with dementia from vulnerable sections of society. It seeks to redefine dementia care in India by providing a holistic, dignified, culturally appropriate, and empowering environment for those affected by the disease. The unique aspects include :
• Comprehensive Care: The Dementia Village will offer a self-contained care facility that integrates therapeutic design principles, a person-centric care approach to provide top-quality care to Persons with dementia and palliative care concepts.
• Workforce Development: We will focus on skilling youth, particularly in dementia care, to build a dementia-capable workforce through on-site training programs.
• Sustainability: The village will be a sustainable and environmentally friendly green community, utilizing solar lighting, rainwater collection, natural light integration, and solar panelling to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance residents' overall well-being.
• Integration of Medical Systems: We will integrate Indian Medicine and Allopathic approaches in managing Persons with dementia, offering a comprehensive and holistic care approach.
• Rural Outreach: Our project will improve the well-being of elders in rural areas around the dementia village, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs, promoting active aging, providing healthcare support, and ensuring dignity and empowerment.

Sandhya Suraksha, a collaborative project between Methodist Church of India BRC and Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), serves as a safe haven for Homeless Elderly Women, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. With over 70 beds, this senior-friendly residence offers a range of services, including nutritious meals, medical assistance, palliative care, rehabilitation programs, and skill development initiatives such as kitchen gardening, paper bag and candle making, and tailoring.

Sandhya Kirana Home offers secure accommodation and support for Homeless Elderly Men, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. With a capacity of 25 beds, this senior-friendly residence provides essential services including nutritious meals, medical assistance, palliative care, rehabilitation programs, and skill development activities such as paper bag and candle making.

Established in 2011, Nightingales Jobs 60+ is an initiative by Nightingales Empowerment Foundation (NEF) aiming to empower healthy and employable retired elders. The program facilitates their re-entry into the job market or supports their venture into self-employment, enabling them to achieve financial independence.
The project also facilitates training in digital literacy through use of smart phones ,and cyber safety for senior citizens

The Elders Helpline 1090, a collaborative effort between the Bangalore City Police and Nightingales Medical Trust, has been operational in Bangalore since 2002, aimed at addressing elder abuse issues.
This Helpline aligns with Nightingales Medical Trust's mission of ensuring dignity and security for all elders by combating harassment and abuse. With an average of 40 calls handled daily since its establishment, Helpline 1090 serves as a vital resource.
Elders have the option to contact Helpline 1090 or visit the Helpline office for assistance in addressing various forms of abuse. The dedicated team, consisting of social workers, counsellors, volunteers, legal experts, and police personnel, is proficient in handling reported cases with sensitivity and discretion. Elders contacting the helpline can expect emotional support throughout the intervention process.

Hiriyaravadi centres are small activity centres for Elderly in the urban poor pockets– a term which draws parallels with the Anganwadi centres for children.The centres aims to support and empower the elderly in slums and urban marginalised settlements through focus on healthcare, income generation, and community development to improve the overall quality of life.
The project will impact 25 beneficiaries on a daily basis and indirectly their family members.
Presently two hiriyravadi centres have been established and efforts are on to establsih more such centres .