Development of Minimum standards
for old age homes,
to support Government of Sindh’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) in implementation of the Sindh

TERMS OF REFERENCES

HelpAge International (www.helpage.org) is a UK based network of organizations which works with older people to claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. We are working with Government of Sindh’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) in implementation of the legislation through our promotion of rights of the older people project in Sindh.

Background of the Assignment

Sindh province in 2016 has enacted a law “Sindh Senior Citizens Welfare Act, 2014” (SSWA -2014) for the wellbeing of the senior citizens in the province.  Department of Social Welfare, Sindh is leading on the implementation of the Act and HelpAge International is providing technical support to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in implementation of the legislation.

The Act under chapter -3 described the establishment of old age homes Section 8(2) Government shall prescribescheme for the management of old-age homes including the standards and various types ofservices to be provided by them which are necessary for medical care and means ofentertainment to inhabitants of such homes.¹

The government will establish old age homes for the most vulnerable older women and men in the province. Further, many private old age homes with long-term care facilities have been working in Karachi. As no minimum standards are available to follow, every care home has developed their own standards which results in greater difference in care quality standards.

HelpAge International, through an expert consultant, will develop minimum standards for old age homes in the province. The Social Welfare Department will also suggest some legislative work to regularize the registration of old homes with the government.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to review available local and international standards, and draft minimum quality standards for old age homes working in the province to maintain and improve the long-term care of the older people in long-term settings by the government and private sectors. The assignment will be carried out in consultation with stakeholders including Social Welfare, Women development, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Buzurg Dost Network and other care homes and relevant stakeholders.

Scope

The scope of the assessment is limited to Sindh, therefore, the consultant is encouraged to highlight issues and causes at the provincial level.

Methodology

The consultant will submit a detailed proposal (technical and financial) to carry out the assignment. S/he may use a mix of methodologies including - Meetings with key stakeholders Social Welfare Department (SWD), Women Development Department (WDD), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Buzurg Dost Network (BDN) and other relevant stakeholders. Desk review of existing standards or other related mechanisms, practices, resources, and strategies available throughout the world especially in Asia region.  . Draft minimum standards for old age homes. Organize consultation workshop with relevant authorities including but not limited to Social Welfare Department (SWD) to get minimum standards and get feedback and incorporate suggestion in final report. Finalize minimum old age home standards report and share with HelpAge International. The consultant/s will be responsible for obtaining required approvals for the research protocol, conducting above mentioned activities. The technical proposal should include the list of stakeholders (government departments with key officials). The proposal should also include the modalities of the consultation workshop. The financial proposal should specifically outline the venue for consultation workshop in Karachi. Coordinate with stakeholders, inviting dignitaries and arranging field visits for interview etc.

Orientation

After the contract agreement, the consultant will be oriented on objective of the consultancy, methodology and its deliverables.

Inception Report

Consultant will submit a detailed inception report on how he/she will carry out the consultancy tasks including detailed methodology with timeline.

Desk Review

Based on primary and secondary data, revised documents/manuals and policies, the consultant will submit a draft report for review and feedback.

Analysis

The consultant will analyze information from meetings, data from desk review and secondary data on objectives of the assignment in Karachi and present key finds and recommendations for the Social Welfare Department (SWD). Draft minimum standards and power point. Draft minimum standards along with the power point presentation that can be shared with government department and partners during the workshop.

Consultation workshop

The consultant will plan and facilitate the consultation workshop with key relevant stakeholders and will share workshop report along with revised minimum standards based on the feedback/consultation

 Key Deliverable of the Assignment

• Minutes of the meetings held with stakeholders e.g. government officials, Management of Care homes etc.
• Draft minimum standards along with PowerPoint presentation.
• Plan of consultation workshop and agenda, including list of invitees, government officials and relevant stakeholders.
• Submission of Workshop report including desk review report as annex
• Submission of Final minimum standards report

Timeline

The assignment needs to be completed in 20 working days after singing of the agreement.

http://sindhlaws.gov.pk/setup/publications_SindhCode/PUB-NEW-18-000172.pdf