OLD AGE HOME :
This was the premier facility of the society that was set up in 1989. Current strength of the home is 25 members. Nutritious food cooked hygienically and weekly medical checkups are the basic services rendered. Spiritual books and periodicals are also provided. A solar powered hot water utility, television with a CD player and an annual outing are some of the facilities available.
What do we do ?
Most of the residents get up by about 4 a.m. in the Brahma Muhurtham and conduct the sacred Omkaram, Suprabhatham and Pooja to Lord Ganesh in the campus. After a nutritious breakfast, some of them help in vegetable cutting in the kitchen, while others help the orphanage children get dressed up for going to school.
Reading spiritual books and periodicals, writing down likitha japam, Namasmarana are part of each resident’s choice activity till simple lunch is served. The evening goes by listening to the day’s events at school from the children who would have returned by then. Story-telling to the young kids is also another frequent activity at this time.
Why rapid increase in Old Age homes ?
The life of parents revolves around their children but when the children grow up, often the parents are sidelined and are seen as a burden. Rapid urbanization is also leading to migration in huge amounts in search of jobs, education and better opportunities which in turn are leading to change in mindset of the present generation. They no longer want to stay or take care of their ageing parents. This is leading to rapid increase in the number of old age homes across the country. Often the needs of old age may be quite simple: a home and people who care. Sometimes they may need medical care and treatment.
Vanaprastha :
Ancient times, people followed the principle of Vanaprastha, which emphasizes the necessity of handing over the responsibilities to the next generation and gradually withdrawing oneself from the worldly desires. Passing the responsibilities to next generation, after preparing them was the right approach for a healthy society, and this ensured no one is denied their share of opportunities. The concepts of vanaprastha in modern times, converted into old age home, which provides the right kind of relaxing atmosphere to the inmates to lead their retirement life in peace.
Support for the Elders :
Health issues are of major concern for every senior citizen, irrespective of their social or economic background. Medical camps are conducted regularly to monitor the overall health conditions of the inmates. Medicines are provided free of cost. These health camps are aimed at addressing the medical issues with utmost care. The organization has two 24/7 in-house nurses dedicated to taking care of the inmates.
The elderly women are completely abandoned by their children who don’t wish to stay in contact with their parents. The inmates are taken care completely by the old age home. The organization takes care of all the rituals after the demise of the inmate. The old age home works as a compliment to the orphanage. Children and the ladies live in complete harmony with each other as a family celebrating all the moments of life. The resident children treat these elderly persons as their grandparents and move with them freely.
Our Typical Day :
A typical day in the home commences with the residents get up by about 4 a.m. in the Brahma Muhurtham and conduct the sacred Omkaram, Suprabhatham and pooja to Lord Ganesh in the campus. After a nutritious breakfast some of them help in vegetable cutting in the kitchen while others help the orphanage children to dress up for going to school.
Reading spiritual books and periodicals, writing down likithajapam, Namasmarana are part of each resident’s choice activity till a simple lunch is served. The evening goes by listening to the day’s events at school from the children who would have returned by then. Storytelling by the elders to the young kids is a regular loved activity for both of them.