No orphanage this!

KOCHI: There are only two inmates at the Prasanthi Home, an old-age home run by the Ernakulam Karayogam. No, it is not because of a dearth of applicants but because of the rules and regulations for those who entrust their aged kin here.  Prasanthi Home emphasises on the law which stipulates that children ought to fulfill their basic duties and care for their ageing parents.   Consideration is given only to those who promise to take care of those who they leave behind, said the authorities of the home. It is unfortunate that many want to dump their old parents here and be free of responsibilities. “This is not an orphanage to leave one’s old parents. People who find it difficult to look after their parents due to their tight work schedule, and are concerned of their well-being and are keen on visiting them and taking care of their needs are allowed to admit their parents or relatives here,” said  secretary, P Ramachandran.  The home which was started in 2010 at Palarivattom is like a home-away-from-home for the aged.  “A lot of people are approaching us to accommodate their parents but are not willing to do anything more. We do not encourage this,” he said. To ensure that children are there whenever  their parents need them, the people who admit their parents here are required to sign a  bond that lays stress on being responsible for the inmates,” he said.    A sum of `1.5 lakh is collected from inmates and this is refundable when the inmate is taken back from the old-age home”, said warden, Remani. “The deposit money is collected only after the inmate stays as a guest for a month. This allows them to get a feel of the atmosphere of the old-age home and decide whether they want to stay or not,” she said.“Now we have only two inmates here. Most of the people who approach us want to leave their parents here just to reduce their so called ‘burden’.” she said  The two inmates, 86-year-old P V Amminikutty  and 76-year-old N Gourikutty Amma, are happy with the facilities available here. The rooms are spacious with attached bathroom, good food and a TV for entertainment. “We also provide proper medical facilities to the inmates. They are taken to the medical camps conducted by the Karayogam,” she said.