I originally came to Nepal in order to meet the first geriatrician in the country as they currently only have six. As well as, to learn from a culture that is vastly different from the one I grew up in in America. I am so grateful for this unique opportunity to learn from our seniors here. Below you will find some brief reflections from my care homes and reflections I learned from each of these care homes.  The final report is forthcoming in late August as I bridge the information I’ve gathered and the interviews conducted over the month.

Care Homes:

Aloki Care Home – Ms. Jeni Thapa

Aloki Care Home is a private provider supporting older adults in the Sanepa area of Nepal. I was referred to them by Ageing Nepal and connected with Ms. Jeni Thapa, Managing Director.

Health Home Care Nepal – Dr. Lochana Shrestha

Health Home Care Nepal is a private provider that is run by Dr. Lochana Shrestha. She is a geriatrician and lives on-site next to the care home. They are also the only institution that has an elevator across the care homes I was able to visit.

Sahara Care Center – Ms. Kalpana Boyaju

Sahara Care Center is a private provider supporting older adults in the Bhanktanpur area. I met with Ms. Kalpana Boyaju for a tour of the care home and understanding the dynamic further.

The Hope Hermitage Care Home – Ms. Gyanu Acharya

The Hope Hermitage Care Home is also a private care home where many older adults have children overseas. I find this unique as they would stay connected through social media.

Siddhi Memorial Old Age Home – Dr. Ananta Aryal

A charitable care home that is meant for children and older adults. This care home was connected to a hospital as well.

Pashupati Bridda Ashram Old Age Home – Kathmandu Government

The only government care home funded by the government for older adults. However, a long wait list exists for this care home.

Gurkha Welfare Trust RH Pokhara – Ms. Asmita Gurung

GWT RH Pokhara is a unique care home as they are fully funded by the UK government. Nonetheless, they offer another perspective of what a care home can be with outside support.

Overall the concept of care homes is a relatively new idea. In Nepalese culture it is common for family members to care for their older adults. Specially though, it is embedded within cultural beliefs as well to care for the elders and hence makes it harder for families to place a loved one in care homes despite needing additional support. Additionally, community support steps in where neighbors might inquire about why you are placing a loved one into a care home. Therefore, there is also societal pressure to not be placed in a care home. The children of several older adults are also migrating out of Nepal and hence they place their loved ones in a care home to ensure they are taken care of with basic needs.

Check out my video below for more information on my overview of the care homes in Nepal

NGO’s:

Ageing Nepal – Ms. Sanju Thapa Magar

Vision: With a life time of hard work, senior citizens of today deserve a dignified and cared for old age, not as a charity from the younger generation but as the right of their own. As elders are the living history of a society, it is important to utilize their knowledge, skills and experience for socio-economic development. Today’s youth should be able to plan for their happy old age and today’s elders should get a dignified and cared for life full of happiness. It is the vision of Ageing Nepal that elders of Nepal will have such environment with facilities and services to suit their personal need, capacity and the taste.

Senior Citizen Chautari – Mr. Bal Krishna Thapa Magar

Mission: To focus health of Senior Citizen, Thecho. The Senior Citizen Chautari (SCC) is dedicated to healthy aging in the village community by promoting awareness of needs and resources that support Senior Citizens through life’s transitions.

Bihani Social Venture – Ms. Santoshi Rana

Mission: Our main focus is on individuals who want to re-engage, re–explore and re–live or simply continue living a rewarding second half of their lives. Their secondary focus is on institutions, organisations and individuals, to raise awareness and sensitise regarding the context of shifting demography/ changing population trend and the diverse issues that may be associated with ageing; disability, social isolation, among others.

Main Findings:

My video will be uploaded here that entails my overall conclusions. I will publish my final written report of Nepal in the coming months as I reflect further on my experiences. Dhanyabad!!

Preview: The importance of knowledge sharing!