EVERGREEN AGE HOME

Abstract

Every human’s life cycle passes through three distinct phases; childhood, adulthood and old age. Among these the childhood and old age are considered analogous as in these phases a person needs utmost care, love and affection. In this age where people have become mechanized about their chores; almost all rarely have spare time to cater to the needs of the elderly. As seen in most of the cases, as parents grow older, they get isolated as their children do not have enough time from their work and personal life. Another factor for this isolation of the elderly is the nuclearization of the families. As the children go separate from the parent home, the parents get left behind; alone. In many cases, these elderly aren’t helpless. They do have their own property and have the ability to spend an unisolated life if given an environment. The concept of old age homes in Nepal is that of a mere shelter to the neglected elderly. However, there is a certain class of elderly who wish to spend their old age with people like themselves in a caring environment, with all the facilities they want; and for them a shelter is needed, a space where they can come at their will to spend their old age with other elderly and get supported with basic needs. An evergreen age home is what is demanded. With this frame of mind, this “Evergreen Age Home” has been envisioned. Depending upon the types of elderly, different types of dwelling units have been provided – dependent; where elderly who need constant observation of caretaker can stay; independent; where capable elderly who can manage themselves well can stay. In these all units, the common theme is living together in an environment of care, support, love and health. Such old age home can make any elderly get over the feeling of inferiority complex since they would be paying for the services they get. They would live a happy life and not feel like a burden to others and since they would be among others like themselves they would not be depressed. The vision for this retreat is that of a premises filled with dwelling units, nursing unit, multipurpose areas, staff quarter and open areas among others. It would facilitate constant interaction among people to create a homely environment fit for the physical and mental health of the elderly. Such a retreat would help an elderly to be in a same frame of mind and live an old age of comfort and happiness; the two most important aspects of life.