QUEEN'S ROAD: There was a time a majority of elderly parents spent their twilight years depending on their children. But with work gaining priority for many, especially in a city like Bengaluru, having a post-retirement support system in place has become important.
This was not lost on the founders of Goodhands, a city-based startup that works to support the younger generation in taking care of their parents. With effective use of technology, Goodhands provides more than 20 medical and non-medical services to the elderly. While registering for any plan, the elderly can mention their family and medical history and avail services like regular check-ups, social participation opportunities and emergency care, all of which will be brought to their doorstep.
For instance, in case of an emergency, senior citizens can dial a helpline number that will alert a Goodhands senior care specialist. An ambulance is sent to transfer them to a hospital at the earliest. Minute-by-minute updates are sent to their children as well. Their health records are maintained and updated based on regular check-ups and home diagnostics. Goodhands also provides home nurses, monthly delivery of medicines and even sets reminders for the elderly to take their pills and keep their appointments with doctors.
The home care services include booking cabs and delivering daily convenience products and homemade food. Social engagement services include networking and pairing up clients who have similar interests. Assuring security of senior citizens is paramount and Goodhands checks the background of the service providers.
Manu Raman, one of the founders of Goodhands, said, “In a busy place like Bengaluru, some young working professionals find it difficult to support their parents even if they want to because they are often held up by work. Goodhands takes up the responsibility of being there when needed. We look to provide a personal experience for the elderly through our specialists.”
Bhanu Ramswami, a senior citizen, told City Express that after her husband went under the knife, she contacted Goodhands for a couple of home nurses. “They immediately arranged for them. After 15 days, the nurses had to leave for some reason and Goodhands found replacements immediately. They are very prompt,” she said.
GROWING FAST
Goodhands began full-scale operations in the city in May. It offers two yearly plans (`3,200 and `4,950), and also has individual pricing for all its services. The Goodhands team hopes to offer its service across the country, and the numbers are looking good. It already has 115 registered members, and the founders say an average of 50 people sign up every month.