Program Overview
Everything you need to know about Pakalveedu
Pakalveedu is a structured weekday day care program for elders aged 60 and above, run by Smile India Society in Kottayam.
Members spend 10 AM to 3 PM at a supervised, community center where they eat, engage in activities, rest, and — most importantly — spend time with peers.
It is built for working families who need a safe, stimulating, and trustworthy environment for their parent during the day.
Who is Pakalveedu for?
Suitable for:
- ✓ Elders aged 60 and above
- ✓ Those who are mobile and do not require medical care
- ✓ Elders who live alone or are home alone during the day
- ✓ Parents of working professionals
- ✓ Parents of NRIs with no local caregiver
NOT suitable for:
- ✗ Elders requiring 24-hour medical supervision
- ✗ Those with severe dementia or advanced mobility issues
(We will help you find appropriate referrals)
Detailed Daily Schedule
| 10:00 AM | Arrival, welcome chai, attendance |
| 10:30 AM | Morning wellness — yoga / prayer / light stretching |
| 11:15 AM | Health check-in (BP, general wellness notes) |
| 11:30 AM | Interest group — reading / craft / music / skill sessions |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch — home-cooked, nutritious meal |
| 1:45 PM | Rest period — quiet room available |
| 2:15 PM | Afternoon program — games, discussions, bhajans |
| 3:00 PM | Departure — staff goodbye, family update if needed |
What your parent will do here
Physical Wellness
- • Chair yoga and gentle stretching
- • Morning walks (where space permits)
- • Breathing exercises
Creative & Cognitive
- • Reading groups and storytelling
- • Craft and art sessions
- • Memory games and puzzles
- • Writing and journaling
Social & Cultural
- • Bhajan and devotional sessions
- • Festival celebrations
- • Community discussions
- • Guest speaker visits
Life Skills & Purpose
- • Cooking demonstrations
- • Gardening (where available)
- • Skill sharing — members teach each other
What we provide
Food
- • One full lunch (home-cooked, included)
- • Morning refreshments on arrival
- • Dietary preferences accommodated
- • No outside food required
Transport
- • [INSERT: transport availability details]
- • Families are welcome to drop/pick up
- • [INSERT: pickup route / coordinator details if applicable]
Support
- • Trained and friendly program staff
- • Emergency contact protocol
- • Daily health observation log
- • Regular family communication
How we keep your parent safe
Staff Protocol
- Minimum [X] staff per session
- At least one senior staff member present at all times
- No unsupervised time — ever
Health Emergency Protocol
- Emergency contacts collected during registration
- Nearest hospital: [Hospital name, distance]
- First aid trained staff on site
- Any health concern → family notified same day
Environment
- Ground floor / accessible entry
- Clean, ventilated space
- Separate rest area
- Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities
Pakalveedu centers — where and when
[Center Name]
[Full address]
Days: [Days of operation]
Timing: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Coordinator: [Name], [Phone]
Transport: Yes / No
Capacity: [X] members per session
[Center Name]
[Full address]
Days: [Days of operation]
Timing: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Coordinator: [Name], [Phone]
Transport: Yes / No
Capacity: [X] members per session
Beyond the daily program
Monthly birthday celebrations
Onam, Vishu, Christmas, Eid
Annual family day
Health camps
Cultural performances
Intergenerational programs
How the contribution works
Pakalveedu is a subsidized community program run by Smile India Society, a registered non-profit.
Monthly Contribution
₹[AMOUNT] / month
(Includes: program participation, lunch, morning refreshments, all activity materials)
- Registration: No registration fee.
- Payment: [Monthly / per session — INSERT ACTUAL TERMS]
Financial Assistance
For families who cannot afford the full contribution: We offer a need-based subsidy. Please speak to us directly. We will never turn away an elder due to financial difficulty.
Support the Program
To donate on behalf of another elder: Talk to us — your contribution can sponsor a seat for a family that needs it.
Talk to Us About DonatingQuestions families ask us
We've answered everything we're commonly asked. If you still have a question, call us.
Most new members feel hesitant on the first day — this is completely normal. Our staff spends extra time with new members during the first week. Within a few sessions, most elders look forward to coming. We also encourage a trial visit before enrollment.
We have a clear health emergency protocol. First aid is available on site. If a member is unwell, their emergency contact is notified immediately. We will never handle a health situation without informing the family.
[Insert transport answer based on actual availability]
Families are always welcome to drop and pick up directly.
Families are always welcome to drop and pick up directly.
Yes. Dietary requirements are noted during registration and meals are planned accordingly. Please inform us in advance.
Yes — this is exactly who Pakalveedu is designed for. We provide regular updates to family members wherever they are. You can reach our coordinator by WhatsApp or call any time.
Absolutely. We encourage families to visit the center first and let their parent attend one session before enrolling. There is no cost or commitment for a trial visit.
The program is open to elders aged 60 and above who are independently mobile. If your parent has specific physical or cognitive needs, please speak to us — we will advise honestly on whether the program is the right fit.
You are welcome to call us any time during program hours. Our staff will give you an update. For significant events (health concerns, mood changes), we call the family proactively. You are never out of the loop.
The program follows a [Monday–Saturday / Mon–Fri] schedule. We are closed on major government holidays. Members are informed in advance via WhatsApp.
Call us or message us on WhatsApp. We will schedule a visit to the center, answer all questions, and complete registration — which takes less than 30 minutes.