Saqib Afzal, Sumaya Nazir, Daneswar Nisar
Bandipora, March 6: Established in 2022, the Old Age Home in Bandipora has become a sanctuary for elderly individuals who have been abandoned by their families or have no one to care for them.
The initiative aims to provide not only food, shelter, and medical care but also a sense of dignity and belonging to those in their final years.
One of the residents shared their experience, stating, “I have been here for two to three years. The environment is very good for elderly people. The government has provided essential facilities like food, clothing, and shelter. My spouse passed away, and my daughter is married now. Unfortunately, many people today do not respect their elders. Parents care for their children with love, but when children grow up and start their own families, they often forget their parents. This home is a blessing for people like us.”
Since its inception, the home has registered 35 residents, of whom seven were reunited with their families, while four have passed away. Currently, seven elderly residents are receiving care at the facility.
Sadaf Amen, the Incharge of the Senior Citizens’ Home, explained that the initiative operates under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and is meant for elderly individuals who are abandoned, neglected, or subjected to abuse. She highlighted that the home provides medical checkups, counseling, and recreational activities such as chess and carrom. However, she noted that delayed funding from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Welfare Mission (JKSWM) remains a major challenge in sustaining the facility.
Nasima Bilal, a counselor at the home, emphasized the importance of providing emotional and psychological support to the residents. “Most of those who come here are economically weak. This place becomes a critical refuge for them as they receive free medicines, clothing, and food. We ensure that they feel at home, allowing them to regain confidence and interact with others,” she said.
While the existence of Old Age Homes highlights the harsh reality of fractured family relationships, they have also become a necessity in today’s society, offering security and care to those in need. Despite the emotional pain of separation from their families, the residents of the Bandipora Old Age Home find comfort in a space dedicated to ensuring their well-being and dignity in their twilight years.
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