Quick answer: Kerala has around 700 old age homes. This includes 16 government-run old age homes managed by the Social Justice Department, plus about 680 old age homes registered under the Orphanage Control Board, according to the Kerala Economic Review 2024. This is the highest number of old age homes of any Indian state. The real figure is higher still, because many private, paid senior living and retirement communities are not counted in these government registers.
If you are searching for old age homes in Kerala for a parent or planning ahead, this guide gives you the exact numbers, how they have grown, where they are, and the different types available.
The number, broken down
Kerala's old age homes fall into two main groups in official records:
- Government-run homes: 16 old age homes are run directly by the Kerala Social Justice Department, including dementia care centres and facilities for persons with disabilities.
- Registered (NGO and charitable) homes: Around 680 old age homes are registered under the Orphanage Control Board (officially the Board of Control for Orphanages and Other Charitable Homes).
Together that is roughly 700 registered old age homes in the state, based on the Economic Review 2024, the state government's own annual review of Kerala's economy and social sectors.
It is worth being clear about what these numbers do and do not include. They count registered charitable and government homes. They do not fully capture the growing number of private, paid retirement and assisted living communities that have opened across Kerala in recent years, so the total number of places serving seniors is larger than 700.
How the number has grown
Old age homes in Kerala have risen sharply in less than a decade:
- Around 500 homes were registered in 2015.
- This grew to about 630 homes by 2023.
- The latest figure is about 680 registered homes (Economic Review 2024), plus 16 government homes.
Demand is climbing just as fast. The number of residents living in Kerala's care homes rose from 19,149 in 2016-17 to 32,032 in 2023-24, an increase of over 67% in about seven years, according to the Directorate of Social Justice. Kerala's overall picture matches the national trend covered in our guide on how many old age homes there are across India.
Why Kerala has the most old age homes in India
Kerala leads the country in old age homes for clear reasons tied to its unique demographics.
Kerala is India's oldest state by age profile. It has the highest share of elderly people among Indian states. Its old-age dependency ratio (the number of people aged 65 and above per 100 working-age adults) was 19.6% in the 2011 Census and is projected to reach 34.3% by 2031, far above the national average.
Youth migration abroad. Kerala sends a large share of its young people to the Gulf and other countries for work. This often leaves elderly parents living alone, increasing the need for structured care and companionship.
Nuclear families and longer life spans. Kerala has one of the highest life expectancies in India. Combined with the shift from joint to nuclear families, more seniors are living longer with fewer family members nearby to provide daily care.
Fading stigma. Older Keralites, including financially secure ones, increasingly choose community living for the safety, companionship, and structured activities it offers, rather than being placed there out of necessity.
Types of old age homes in Kerala
Not every old age home is the same. In Kerala you will mainly find:
Homes are also classified by whom they serve: aged men, aged women, or both. Government records list details such as registration number, sanctioned capacity, and current residents, with capacities commonly ranging from about 15 to 70 residents per home.
Where old age homes are located in Kerala
Old age homes are spread across all districts, with higher concentrations in the more urban and populated regions. Popular areas for both charitable homes and modern senior living communities include Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam (Kochi), Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
Families looking beyond basic old age homes toward organised senior living increasingly explore options in the state's cities, such as senior living communities in Kochi and senior living options in Thiruvananthapuram, where healthcare access and infrastructure are strongest.
Old age homes vs modern senior living in Kerala
It helps to know the difference before you choose:
- Old age homes in the traditional sense often focus on shelter, food, and basic care, and many are charitable or government-run for those without support.
- Senior living and assisted living communities are usually private, fee-based, and built around independence, health services, social activity, and safety, aimed at seniors who can pay for a higher standard of living.
Both are part of Kerala's fast-growing elderly care landscape, and the right choice depends on the senior's health, budget, and preferences.
Key facts and stats: old age homes in Kerala
- Kerala has around 700 registered old age homes, the most of any Indian state.
- 16 are government-run; about 680 are registered under the Orphanage Control Board (Economic Review 2024).
- Registered homes grew from about 500 (2015) to 680 (2024).
- Care home residents rose 67%, from 19,149 (2016-17) to 32,032 (2023-24).
- Kerala's old-age dependency ratio is projected to hit 34.3% by 2031.
Frequently asked questions
How many old age homes are there in Kerala?
Kerala has around 700 old age homes, made up of 16 government-run homes and about 680 registered under the Orphanage Control Board, as per the Kerala Economic Review 2024. This is the highest count of any state in India.
Which state has the most old age homes in India?
Kerala. It leads all Indian states in the number of old age homes, driven by its ageing population, high youth migration abroad, and long life expectancy.
Are old age homes in Kerala free?
Some are. Government homes and many charitable or NGO-run homes are free or offer low-cost "pay and stay" options. Private old age homes and senior living communities charge monthly or deposit-based fees.
Who regulates old age homes in Kerala?
The Kerala Social Justice Department runs government homes, while charitable and private homes are registered under the Orphanage Control Board (Board of Control for Orphanages and Other Charitable Homes).
Why does Kerala have so many old age homes?
Kerala has India's highest share of elderly people, high youth migration to other countries, longer life spans, and smaller nuclear families, all of which raise the need for elderly care and old age homes.
Is the number of old age homes in Kerala increasing?
Yes. Registered homes grew from about 500 in 2015 to around 680 in 2024, and the number of residents rose by more than 67% between 2016-17 and 2023-24.
Figures are based on the latest available government data, mainly the Kerala Economic Review 2024 and the Directorate of Social Justice. Numbers change as new homes register, so treat these as the most recent official estimates rather than a fixed total.
