Prasad Praises Golden Age Home’s Compassion and Care
At the International Day of Older Persons celebration in Labasa yesterday, Golden Age Home resident Amrit Prasad gave his heartfelt thanks to the home for sheltering him.
He was the only senior resident chosen to cut a ceremonial cake with the invited guests at Katonivere Ground in Labasa yesterday. The 76-year- old grandfather, originally from Nine Miles in Suva claims that he became homeless when he was chased out by his only son.
He said after his wife’s death 20 years ago he has been moving from one place to another seeking shelter.
“I have three daughters, who are married, but I couldn’t go and live with them as they have their own family,” Mr Prasad said.
“I worked as a block layer plaster man until my kidney operation was done.”
He then applied for a place at Golden Age Home and finally got a place last year.
“I am really thankful to the Golden Age Home for accomodating me,” said the father of four children.
“There are many like me, who have suffered at the hands of children. It is my humble request to the future generations to look after
their parents who have loved and cared for them.”
Meanwhile, the celebration’s chief guest, Sangam Institute of Technology College of Nursing
and Health Care Education director Eleni Kata, said the theme for this year was ‘Pandemic: Do they change how we address age and ageing?’
“In 2017, Fiji’s older population comprised 9.1 per cent (80,483 older persons) of the total population and is expected to reach nearly 20 per cent of the population in 2050,”
Ms Kata said.
“This brings to reality the need to prepare ourselves for an ageing population.”
“Please cherish your elders, accord them the respect that they truly deserve, because one day you and I will also get old and one good turn deserves another,” she added. “We also need to appreciate those that care for our elderly loves ones either in our own homes and communities or in the aged care facilities.”
Please cherish your elders, accord them the respect that they truly deserve, because one day you and I will also get old and one good turn deserves another. Eleni Kata Sangam Institute of Technology College of Nursing and Health Care Education director
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