My visit to old age home by Mannat Malhotra

 

An old age home, also known as a nursing home or retirement home, is a residential facility for elderly individuals who need assistance with daily activities and/or medical care. I had the opportunity to visit “Apna Ghar (My Home)” old age home.

This old age home was on the outskirts of Delhi, and it took around one hour to reach there. The tiredness of travel was alleviated when we met the residents and the elderly in the home. Their smiles and blessings have vanished my fatigue.

It was a clean and hygienic place which housed a total had 57 elderly persons, out of whom 27 were females. There were rooms meant for couples as well as general rooms where 4/5 people were living together. All the rooms were neat, clean and air-conditioned. The rooms also had a television for entertainment.

On enquiry, the administration informed me that for admission in the old age home there should be at least one guardian or relative. The guardian can be contacted in case of need or emergency by the home. I was astonished to hear that even the elderly require a guardian. I was informed that, as per the policy of home home-abandoned elderly are not admitted. Though I felt that they are in more need of care and protection.

The home also had a van for transportation, though it didn’t seem to be in good condition. I was informed that many altruistic persons are associated with the home and they donate daily groceries, equipment, money, etc.  

I was amazed to meet and see that one of the trustees and head of the home Mr. Shyam Lal Gupta is also residing in the home. His simplicity and dedication inspired me to work hard and contribute to society.

The residents of the home have a very comfortable schedule. Morning starts with yoga, followed by tea and breakfast. I was amazed to see

a wonderful lunch which was organized in the mess. All inmates were having lunch together and looked like a big extended family.

The home was compliant to accessibility needs, and the basement, ground, first and second floor were connected through an elevator.

The members are allowed to visit the market 2-3 times in a week and can freely roam around. Local medical facilities were available, and in case of hospitalization, the family is consulted to choose a government hospital or a private hospital.

I felt that the home can be like a curse for some people who feel that they have been abandoned or neglected by their families or children. But on the other hand, it is a heaven for those who have see life positively, as it provides an opportunity to form an extended family, live with dignity and privacy. I feel the positives outshine the cons. Now I also feel motivated to visit children's home and half halfway home for mental health patients. I am deeply impressed by the concept of old age home and feel inspired to contribute and share my humble initiatives for the welfare of the elderly.