CUNCOLIM: Inmates of the Old Age Home at Cuncolim, managed by Provedoria, receive proper care and attention but deeply yearn for human connection and visitors.
While the 21 male and 19 female inmates are cared for diligently by the staff, many lack regular interactions with relatives, as most of them do not have any living family members. However, those with family members receive visits at least once a month, providing solace even to the others.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The presence of visitors, especially students and groups, brings joy to the inmates, brightening their days. Three of the 40 residents are locals from Cuncolim itself, with six of them facing various challenges such as blindness, speech impairment, and deafness.
The dedicated staff at the home, consisting of 13 members led by a stewardess, ensures the well-being of the residents. Honorary Medical Officer Dr Anil Pai Raikar visits twice a week, with emergency assistance just a phone call away, said the stewardess. There is one assistant stewardess, three auxiliary nurses and six multi-tasking staff.
Hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are common ailments among the residents, with prompt medical attention provided when needed. Whenever required, in case of serious ailments, the inmates are generally taken to South Goa District Hospital, Margao, and if necessary, even to Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Those who require counselling or psychological intervention seek help at IPHB.
The staff disclosed that sometimes students along with teachers including college students, do come to visit the old living there and that is the time when the inmates really have a good time.
“While students of Cuncolim do come regularly, we even had students coming from Ponda and Panjim,” said one of the staff members.
Besides, the institute organises a picnic at least once a year, allowing residents to explore different places around Salcete.
Facilities such as carrom boards, cycles, and gym equipment cater to the senior citizens’ recreational needs. Meals, provided by Provedoria, are balanced and adapted to their medical conditions, with breakfast typically comprising tea and bread or chapatti, and lunch being vegetarian with rice, dal, vegetable dish, and fruit. “Non-vegetarian meals are served twice a week, and our high tea consists of sheera, biscuits, or sweets, depending on dietary restrictions,” said a resident.
The home occasionally receives sponsored meals, particularly during the wedding season, providing additional support to the residents.
“Now during the lent season there are no weddings, so nobody is offering meals, however during the marriage season we get meals sponsored even thrice a week,” said a staff member, who urges people to spare a thought for these senior citizens, and visit them to provide companionship in their twilight years.
