Home residents hosted to Diwali sweets, entertainment

The annual festival of lights, Diwali, came early for the residents of the Golden Age Home in Samabula.

On Friday, the two major Hindu religious bodies Arya Samaj Pratinidhi Sabha and Sanatan Dharam along with telecommunication provider, Digicel, provided entertainment, sweets and meals for the residents.

Social Welfare Department’s older persons unit principal welfare officer Dilitiana Baleinabuli said this was a good example of government and private sector partnership.

She said it was a good gesture that these organisations voluntarily made the day a better one for the residents.

“What is needed is time and attention from family members,” she said.

“It is times like these when residents need their families more than the sweets and meals. It is sad but we are thankful to organisations whose kind acts bring some joy to the lives of the residents.”

The welfare officer responsible for the Golden Age Home in Samabula confirmed that an elderly resident became agitated and wanted to return home.

She said Police had to be summoned and when the son of the resident was approached, he did not want his elderly father home. Ms Baleinabuli said the ever increasing numbers of applications to homes were of concern. Meanwhile, Golden Age Home residents will be taken for a light show on Diwali night. Bus company Central Transport Limited has obliged to provide them with transport.