Palliative Care

Our Work

Healthcare Programme

OUR WORK

Palliative Care

Over 5.5M elderly Indians live with life limiting & chronic conditions that often progress to stages requiring sustained palliative and supportive care. Yet, more than 80% of those in need have no access to palliative care – especially marginalised rural older adults. HelpAge India’s Palliative Care Programmes aim to ensure dignity, comfort and quality of life for elderly people living with life-limiting and chronic illnesses. With millions in India requiring palliative care and limited access, especially in rural and underserved communities, HelpAge India works to bridge this gap through community-based, home-based and institution-linked care models.

Our programmes address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, stroke, dementia and advanced age-related conditions. Delivered through strong partnerships with hospitals, civil society organisations and corporate foundations, these initiatives provide holistic care that includes medical and nursing support, pain and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual care, caregiver training, rehabilitation and bereavement support.

Operating across multiple states – including Delhi NCR, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar and Puducherry – HelpAge India’s palliative care models integrate hospital services with home care, community outreach, volunteer engagement, and capacity building of healthcare workers. By embedding care within communities and strengthening public health systems, HelpAge India seeks to make compassionate palliative care accessible, affordable, and sustainable for elderly persons and their families.