write an elaborate academic article from the inputs given in quotes and while writing stress And while writing include how NCD clinics are lacking in providing geriatric care and how integration Asha workers may help it and what are the challenges. Following 4 points are the key area that this article should focus. And form this context rewrite the paragraph provided in quote. While writing thy to make points.

1.Field level workers involved in the implementation of health Programmes for the geriatric population are often burden. what are specific challenges faced by them?
2. What are the implementation challenges of implementation of health programmes for geriatric population in Rural and urban areas " furthermore what are the challenges of integrating public and private health care in this settings?
3. what are the implementation challenges in training at all levels of geriatric health programmes?
4. what are the implementation challenges of giving holistic care for the elderly population?


“In India, the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) are community health workers who play a crucial role in providing basic health care services in their communities. They are the first point of contact for community members with the health system. Geriatric care, on the other hand, refers to the medical care of elderly people. The integration of ASHA workers in geriatric care is essential because India has a rapidly aging population, and there is a need for specialized care for the elderly. However, ASHA workers face several challenges related to training, resources, compensation, and recognition. In this article, we will explore these challenges and how ASHA workers can be integrated into other government schemes for improving the health of the geriatric population.
The Importance of Integrating ASHA Workers in Geriatric Care
India is facing a demographic shift, with a rapidly aging population. According to the United Nations, India is expected to have over 340 million people over the age of 60 by 2050. This demographic shift poses several challenges, including the need for specialized health care services for the elderly. ASHA workers can play a crucial role in addressing this challenge by providing basic health care services to the geriatric population in their communities.
ASHA workers are trained to provide basic health care services, including maternal and child health care. However, they lack specialized training in geriatric care. The lack of specialized training can lead to poor quality of care for the elderly. Therefore, it is essential to train ASHA workers in geriatric care to improve the quality of care provided to the elderly.
Challenges Faced by ASHA Workers in Geriatric Care
Training and Resources
ASHA workers receive basic training in maternal and child health care but do not receive specialized training in geriatric care. This lack of training can lead to poor quality of care for the elderly. The geriatric population has unique health care needs that require specialized training. Therefore, it is essential to train ASHA workers in geriatric care.
Inadequate compensation
ASHA workers are not paid a regular salary but instead receive incentives for their work. These incentives are often inadequate and do not reflect the amount of work that ASHA workers do. This can lead to demotivation among ASHA workers and affect the quality of care they provide.
Lack of recognition
ASHA workers often do not receive recognition for their work. They are often seen as volunteers rather than health care professionals. This lack of recognition can affect their motivation and lead to burnout.
Cultural Beliefs and Practices
Cultural beliefs and practices can affect the delivery of geriatric care. For example, some elderly people may prefer traditional remedies over modern medicine. ASHA workers need to be aware of these cultural beliefs and practices and be able to work with them to provide effective care.
Integration of ASHA Workers in Other Government Schemes
The National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010. The aim of this program is to provide comprehensive health care services to the elderly population, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. The program also aims to train health personnel, including ASHA workers, in geriatric care.
However, there are several challenges to integrating ASHA workers into existing government schemes for improving the health of the geriatric population. For example, there may be bureaucratic hurdles that prevent ASHA workers from working effectively with other health care professionals. In addition, there may be a lack of coordination between different government schemes that can lead to duplication of efforts or gaps in service delivery.
Recommendations
Given the challenges discussed above, what are some possible strategies for integrating ASHA workers in geriatric care? There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some ideas that could be considered:
1.	Training and Capacity Building
The first step towards integrating ASHA workers in geriatric care is to provide them with appropriate training and capacity building. ASHA workers require specialized training in geriatric care that includes basic principles of aging, age-related diseases, and their management. The training should also cover communication skills, care planning, medication management, and palliative care. ASHA workers should be provided with hands-on training on the use of medical equipment and devices like blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and thermometers. They should also be trained to identify common geriatric syndromes such as falls, delirium, and incontinence. The training should be provided through a combination of classroom-based sessions, on-the-job training, and online resources.
2.	Strengthening Health Systems
To enable ASHA workers to provide quality geriatric care, the health system needs to be strengthened. This includes ensuring adequate infrastructure, equipment, and supplies at the primary health care centers (PHCs) and sub-centers. The PHCs should have a well-equipped laboratory for routine blood and urine tests. The sub-centers should have basic equipment like weighing scales, stethoscopes, and sphygmomanometers. The PHCs and sub-centers should also have adequate stocks of essential drugs for geriatric care. The health system should be geared towards providing comprehensive geriatric care, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. This requires a multi-disciplinary team comprising ASHA workers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers.
3.	Addressing Cultural Beliefs and Practices
ASHA workers need to be sensitized to the cultural beliefs and practices of the elderly population they serve. They should be trained to recognize and respect the cultural diversity of the elderly population and be able to work with traditional healers and practitioners. ASHA workers should also be able to communicate effectively with family members and caregivers who may have a strong influence on the decision-making process. Sensitization sessions should be conducted at regular intervals, and cultural brokers could be engaged to facilitate communication and understanding between ASHA workers and the elderly population.
4.	Incentivization and Recognition
ASHA workers should be incentivized and recognized for their work in geriatric care. The incentives should be commensurate with the amount of work they do and the level of expertise they demonstrate. They should be given a fixed salary instead of incentives, which is more predictable and provides greater financial security. The recognition could take the form of certificates, awards, and public appreciation events. The recognition should be linked to their performance in geriatric care and could be used as a tool for motivation and performance improvement.
5.	Coordination and Collaboration
There needs to be coordination and collaboration between different government schemes and programs that focus on improving the health of the geriatric population. This could be achieved by creating a multi-disciplinary team comprising representatives from different schemes and programs. The team could meet at regular intervals to share information, identify gaps in service delivery, and develop strategies to address them. The team could also work towards creating a common platform for data sharing and analysis, which would help in monitoring the progress of geriatric care.
Integrating ASHA workers in geriatric care is essential to meet the healthcare needs of India's aging population. The challenges faced by ASHA workers in geriatric care are significant and require a multi-pronged approach. The strategies discussed above are not exhaustive but provide a starting point for policymakers and program managers to formulate an effective strategy towards geriatric health care.”