SHATAYU Geriatric Caregiver Directory Connects Senior Citizens with 30,151 Caregivers

The news

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched SHATAYU, a centralised digital directory that connects senior citizens, families and institutions with trained geriatric caregivers. The platform, whose full name is Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility, was unveiled on 22 May 2026 during the National Workshop on ‘Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy’. It currently lists 30,151 caregivers across States and Union Territories, the Ministry said.

Users can search for caregivers by State or Union Territory and district, and submit a callback request through an OTP-based verification process. The service is free for both searching the directory and placing callback requests, and caters to full-time as well as hourly caregiving needs. The platform covers general geriatric care, post-surgical care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, physiotherapy and mobility assistance, and palliative care, according to a senior Ministry official.

The initiative also aims to strengthen the professional geriatric care workforce by giving trained caregivers visibility and employment opportunities. Caregivers can enrol by submitting personal details, address information, course qualifications and training certificates, and track their application status through the dashboard. The training framework recognises four professional categories — Geriatric Care Provider, Geriatric Caregiver (Institutional and Home Care), Wellness Therapist (Elderly) and Elderly Care Companion — and is supported by the National Institute of Social Defence and the National Skill Development Corporation.

How does the SHATAYU platform work?

The SHATAYU portal provides a caregiver directory that users can search by location. A 'Request Callback' facility allows individuals to select their preferred State or UT and district, specify the type of care required, and submit contact details through OTP-based verification. The request is then made available to caregivers in the selected district, enabling direct communication. The platform also includes features such as caregiver profile access, enrolment tracking, and a feedback and rating mechanism to promote transparency and accountability.

What training categories does SHATAYU recognise?

The initiative recognises four broad professional training categories: Geriatric Care Provider, Geriatric Caregiver (Institutional and Home Care), Wellness Therapist (Elderly) and Elderly Care Companion. These tracks cover competencies including holistic elderly care, physiological monitoring, emergency handling, bedside mobility, assistance with daily living activities, therapeutic rehabilitation, cognitive engagement, emotional companionship and social integration. The training framework is supported by the National Institute of Social Defence and the National Skill Development Corporation.