Khushi Trust has been engaged in social, medical and educational projects for the past several years. During our field visits, we had noticed the neglect of senior citizens and were contemplating for two years on how we could help this section of the society. This is a growing problem in cities where all young members have to work to make two ends meet as a result the retired seniors are left to their own devices.
Our office being located in a place likes Bhandup, and having direct contact with the people of this locality, the need to look into this issue was very pressing.
Before we could start our work, Covid intervened and lockdown was declared which created a turmoil in everyone's lives. Senior citizens were the worst affected and their movements were severely curtailed. This was the time when we started the Khushi Care Centre to provide necessary medical aid and a place which they could call their own and where they could spend happy hours.
The concept of the Care Centre was to provide space to the neglected seniors where they could fill the void in their lives by spending quality time keeping busy with some enjoyable activities. In no time the Trust and the seniors built a good bonding between them.
While we had a clear picture on what we wanted at the Care Centre, changes and additions were made as when needed as we went along and gained experience.
We started with a door to door survey in Jamil Nagar, Budhha Nagar, and Pathan Colony in Bhandup in December 2020. We collected relevant information and told them about our concept of Care Centre.
We have today a total 50 elders visiting our centre, more women than men. We found that even in their old age, women are not able to find time to exercise or go for a morning walk. They spend most of their time in household chores and taking care of their grandchildren as a result, even at this age, they get less time for themselves. That’s why too, the importance of the centre has increased in their lives.
Families with modest incomes do not spend much on the medical treatment of the elders in their homes. Under these circumstances, they buy medicines from the pharmacy without consulting a doctor. Since free medical services at the centre are available at their doorstep, they now get a medical check-up, if necessary, at reasonable rate, and have started taking medicines as per the doctor’s advice.
They also come to the centre to watch films to have a good time and also ask to show films of their choice. They take part in art and craft activities.
While taking care of our homes and family, we miss out a lot in life leaving an empty space, which we regret later when we contemplate on our bygone life. We are happy that the Care Centre is becoming a means to fill that empty space in their lives.
Project Design:
Beneficiaries will be divided into groups. Interactions will be carried out three days a week for two hours with each group, i.e. twelve sittings in a month or at least 24 hours in a month will be given to each group.The following activities will be undertaken.
1. Physiotherapy
Increasing age weakens the body. To keep the body fit, specific types of exercise are required at this age. Since not everyone can afford to pay for physiotherapy, this project gives special importance to physiotherapy which will be done in a professional manner with follow-up under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist.
2. Counseling
Where required, individual group members will be counselled regularlyto deal with specific issues,and in general, counselling sessions will be held with all.
3. Activities
Activities of interest such as Art & Craft, drawing & painting, singing etc.will be organized for everyone every week.
4. Medical check-up
Health check-ups will be done from time to time. If anyone has any special needs, a solution will be found by discussions with the doctor concerned.
5. Home visits
Our volunteers will undertake home visits to each member’s home. Periodic discussions will also be held with other family members
