In an effort to promote dignity and respect for senior citizens, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed authorities to replace the term “Old Age Home” with “Snehalayam” in all official records and public communication, in line with an existing government order that renamed such institutions.
The Commission instructed the concerned departments to take immediate administrative measures to implement the change across all platforms. This includes updating name boards, official websites, government publications, public documents, and all other forms of communication to reflect the new name. The directive was issued by the Commission’s Judicial Member, K. Baijunath.
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The order follows a complaint filed by Prof. Varghese Mathew, who argued that the term “Old Age Home” carries a negative connotation and can create a sense of stigma and inferiority among elderly residents. Pointing to Kerala’s steadily growing senior citizen population, he urged the authorities to adopt a more compassionate and dignified name that better reflects the care and respect these institutions are meant to provide.
Acting on the complaint, the Commission also directed the Director of the Social Justice Department to ensure that the government’s decision is fully implemented across the state and that all concerned departments comply with the revised terminology.
During the proceedings, the Social Justice Department informed the Commission that the Kerala government had officially renamed all old age homes as “Snehalayam” through a government order issued on December 2, 2024. However, the Commission observed that despite the official renaming, the term “Old Age Home” continues to be widely used in public communication and official references.
Emphasising the need for effective implementation, the Commission called for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement of the government order so that the new name, “Snehalayam,” is consistently adopted in official records and everyday usage, reinforcing a more respectful and inclusive approach towards elderly care.
