Nepal proposes family-first elder care policy

Nepal's draft National Policy on Senior Citizens 2026 proposes a significant shift in elder care, emphasizing family and community support over institutionalization. The policy, released for public consultation by the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security, designates old age homes as a final option.

The draft acknowledges the growing challenges of elder care in Nepal, citing urbanization, the rise of nuclear families, and labor migration as factors contributing to seniors living alone without adequate support. To counter this, it outlines responsibilities for both the state and local governments.

Local authorities will be expected to enhance community-based services, including day-care centers, home healthcare, and rehabilitation programs. The policy also prioritizes geriatric care, advocating for regular health check-ups, mental health services, and improved chronic disease management, extending medical services to homes when necessary.

Beyond care, the draft seeks to recognize senior citizens as valuable sources of knowledge and experience, encouraging their participation in social and developmental activities. It also aims to strengthen mechanisms against neglect, abuse, financial exploitation, and property disputes, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups like single, incapacitated, or economically disadvantaged seniors and elderly women.

The policy assigns a crucial role to local governments in managing senior citizen records, operating community services, coordinating healthcare, and organizing social participation programs. Additionally, it plans to ensure easier access to transport fare concessions for seniors.