Orientation Visit to Sevayana Trust

On 28.06.2024, II semester social work students conducted an orientation visit to Sevayana Trust, Old Age Home. The visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into the lives of the elderly, the operations of an old age home, and the various social, emotional, and health challenges faced by senior citizens.

Objectives

The main objectives of the visit were:

1. To understand the daily routines and living conditions of the elderly.
2. To observe and learn about the services provided by the old age home.
3. To interact with the residents and understand their needs and concerns.
4. To identify potential areas where social work interventions can make a difference.
5. To inspire students to consider careers in geriatric social work.

About Sevayana

Sevayana Trust is a non-profit organisation established in the year 2020. The trust is operational in the area of Mysuru, Karnataka. Elderly care and women’s empowerment are two important and interconnected topics that have significant social, economic, and cultural implications and Sevayana works on these aspects. Elderly care and women’s empowerment requires a strong commitment, dedication, and collaboration. By addressing the needs of these two important segments of the population, our organization would like to contribute in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Key Observations

1. Living Conditions:
   o The old age home provided a clean and safe living environment with adequate facilities. However, there were areas that could benefit from improvement, such as increased recreational activities and personalized care.
2. Health and Well-being:
   o Many residents had chronic health issues and required regular medical attention. The presence of healthcare professionals was crucial for their well-being.
3. Emotional Needs:
   o Loneliness and social isolation were common among the residents. Regular interaction and engagement activities were essential to address these emotional needs.
4. Staff Dedication:
   o The staff demonstrated a high level of dedication and compassion in caring for the residents. However, they expressed the need for more resources and support to enhance their services.
5. Resident Stories:
   o The residents shared varied life experiences, including family histories, career achievements, and personal challenges. These stories highlighted the importance of preserving the dignity and respect of the elderly.

The orientation visit to the old age home was a valuable learning experience for the social work students. It provided them with firsthand insights into the lives of the elderly and the operations of such facilities. The visit reinforced the importance of empathy, respect, and dedicated care for the elderly and inspired students to contribute meaningfully to this field. The observations and recommendations from this visit will serve as a foundation for future social work interventions and community service initiatives.