A Home for the Elderly

The Old Age home is housed here at present.

We have a few inmates presently at our Old Age Home functioning in the Gregorian Community. As is the case with many of our elderly people who find themselves in such homes in the evening of their lives, these inmates have led decent lives in the past, and are hence often frustrated by the turn of events that have led them to this place.

Many times, all they need is a listening ear, a word of care, a touch of love. Coorilose Thirumeni, I observed, understood this need very well. After the noon prayer, while walking towards the dining area, one old lady from the home walked with His Grace. She was complaining about something and Thirumeni, despite being a little late, stopped and listened intently, took her with him and chatted for some time, advising her and comforting her. Another person came and sat with Thirumeni during lunch, pouring out his frustrations over some recent incidents and Thirumeni simply listened. Thirumeni later told me this person, who seemed from Goa, by his attire, was an expert in playing some musical instrument. He had lost many things in his life, and he himself was to blame for most of it, and would use his passion in music to bury his sorrows in. Seeing his interest in music, Thirumeni would sometimes invite him to play in front of different groups at the Gregorian Community. Sometimes he would play, and in the middle of it, he would also talk about life and his experiences making it a very interesting session, Thirumeni said.

Thirumeni also spoke of another two ladies in the home, who would complain about many things. Thirumeni made them to stay together once and they came back to Thirumeni saying it will not work out. Thirumeni told them "You are going to stay together whatever happens. You can use the time to fight with each other, or find ways to live like good neighbors, like good sisters" They have been managing well with each other, Thirumeni said. The old age is like a second childhood and you need creative ways to deal with their issues, conflicts and worries, Thirumeni told me while talking about the Old Age Home.