WORKING WITH THE ELDERLY IN THE COMMUNITY

Providing care and support for those elderly people unable to care for themselves has always been part of our mission. Many elderly people in the Guntur District have been left destitute as a result of losing family members to AIDS and other illnesses or have simply been abandoned by their families. As they have become too old to work in the fields many are rejected as an unwanted burden to their families. Widows are especially vulnerable as they have traditionally been treated poorly by Indian society often being treated as a possession of their husbands that can be discarded upon his death.

The Mission for the Rural People provides regular health camps and medical support, blankets and emergency food and we operate as a refuge of last resort for those who would simply be left to die.

RICHARD'S HOME FOR THE ELDERLY

In October 2008 the Mission for the Rural People opened ‘Richard’s Home for the Elderly’ at our site in Vellatur. It had long been our dream to offer a facility to provide for the destitute and homeless elderly people of this part of Andhra Pradesh. As a result of the financial support of Richard Beatty we were able to construct a purpose built block. This shelter allows us to provide shelter, food, medical support and clothing to 20 residents as well as acting as a base to provide help to many others.

SHAMEENA' STORY- WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Shameena is 78 and is a long term resident of our shelter. Her story is typical of many of our residents. Shameena worked in the fields around Vellatur her whole life and had two sons. Her family were very poor and they earned just enough to feed themselves and their children but nothing more. As her two sons grew up they moved to Hyderabad and she lost touch with them so they did not support her in any way as she got older. When her husband died in 2001 Shameena could no longer support herself and she was taken in by a relative. Her relative forced her to do long hours of household work, fed her little and would often beat her. When it became too much for her she asked us for a place in our home which she was granted. Shameena receives regular meals, the companionship of our other residents and regular medical treatment.

Shameena’s story is typical of those of our residents and others who receive our help. With your support we can continue to provide care and support for her and others like her and extend our mission to the many others who need our help.

If you are interested in getting involved in this project, please send an e-mail to richardshomefortheelderly@gmail.com.