'Will My Family Come?': The Heartbreaking Wait Of Residents At Sonbhadra’s Old Age Home
In 2023, 100 elderly resided at Sonbhadra’s Chhapka village old age home. Despite some passing away or returning home, numbers rose to 112 this year
Each year, more elderly find refuge in Sonbhadra’s old age home, choosing its shelter over the farms, homes, and properties they once called their own. Despite the pain of abandonment, their hearts remain tender and they long to be with their families. They continue praying daily for the happiness and peace of the families they miss, forgiving them for all the suffering they had to endure.
In 2023, 100 elderly people were taking shelter in the old age home at Chhapaka Village in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra run by a Prayagraj based organisation. While some of them passed way, some were taken back home by their family. At present, 112 elderly people have been registered at the old age home in Chhapaka, pointing at an increase in the number of elderly people in the home overseen by the Social Welfare Department.
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Most of the elderly people residing at the ashram have been there for the past two-three years. Though they have deep pain and anguish for their loved ones, but they shy away from expressing it.
According to the information received, all facilities of the elderly are being taken care of in the ashram. Proper arrangements have been made for their food and entertainment. At times, the elderly visit their homes, but return after a few days.
In a conversation with Local 18, an elderly man named Ram Murat shared that he has two sons and daughters-in-law, but due to neglect received from them, he had to take shelter in the old age home.
Another elderly man Shivdas said that he had a son, who passed away. Since he was not getting enough support from his daughters, he is now spending the rest of his life in the old age home.
Similarly, an elderly woman named Phoolwanti said that her physical condition is not good. Her sons live away from her and her daughters-in-law do not support her. Hence she is staung at the old age home. She hopes that her sons will come on Diwali and if they want, she would live with them in future.
District Social Welfare Officer Ramashankar said that the capacity of this old age home in Sonbhadra district is 150. He admitted that the number of elderly people living in the old age home has increased compared to last year. He said that most of the elderly living here have family members like sons and daughters-in-law, but are forced to come to the home owing to their neglect.
All the necessary facilities like drums and cymbals have been provided at the home for their entertainment.
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