Continue...

UDHAVI provides companionship, learning skills and social care through volunteers who are carefully selected and trained. They direct their efforts to the elderly who live alone and stave off their loneliness but do not provide nursing or housekeeping facilities. Volunteers take them on visits to the temple, the beach, to concerts and the occasional movie. They accompany them for shopping, the bank and other chores and help teach those who are not tech savvy. They teach them to be self-reliant and make life easier to live.

During the COVID pandemic, UDHAVI stepped up its online activities. They provided verified information on COVID resources such as vaccination details, food and grocery deliveries, and care centres. Importantly they provided a friendly ear to the elderly who wished to talk to someone in these trying times.

The selfless services UDHAVI provides is best judged by the sincere testimonials of the beneficiaries. One said, “UDHAVI is dedicated to the concerns of the seniors, address the feeling of loneliness felt by elders in a changing world of values. Committed volunteers boost the morale of senior citizens, and this institute is on its way to becoming the best in the country.”

Another said, “I was totally grounded at home due to health reasons, felt lonely and depressed. UDHAVI has been a godsend, the volunteers are regular in visiting and taking me out for walks, and there is something to look forward to each day, and they bring cheer into my life.” Yet another said, “I moved to Chennai from Pune, and felt depressed even though I lived with my children, and they take good care of me. UDHAVI has transformed my life and I have gained a new family which gives me care and affection. I look forward to the volunteers taking me to the beach for a walk or to the temple.”

To Go or Not to Go to Homes

The jury is out on this dilemma. It is a personal decision governed by several considerations such as financial standing, family support, health status and so on.


To be continued....