Improve old-age homes, says Chaturvedi

Thursday, January 26, 2006 Deccan Herald, Bangalore

Governor T N Chaturvedi on Wednesday called upon various voluntary organisations and trusts to take up the cause of improving the existing old-age homes by insulating them with basic amenities.

Delivering the key-note address after inaugurating the new wing of 'Ashvasan', a 30-bed old-age home for elders, he said that majority of the old-age homes were lacking in basic infrastucture facilities like proper beds and medical services for senior citizens. Lauding the work of Sujatha R Bhat and Kalpana Mallya, the architects of this facility -- Ashvasan Foundation and Asha Jeevan Home for the Aged -- Mr Chaturvedi hoped that several other old age homes would model their facilities on these lines. The newly-opened wing has the capacity to accommodate more than 28 senior citizens and has 11 rooms with attached bath and other medical services. There are already more than 72 elders availing of the facilities in the other wings.

He also called upon youngsters to play an active role to accord respect to senior members of their family by providing them with love and affection in abundance.