Covid-19 dampens Eid celebrations at old homes

Away from their family and children, Eid-ul-Fitr was like any other day of the year to the senior citizens of Swapnolok Peace Vally, an old home situated in Capital's Shyamoli area.

Adding more to the misery, their family members were restricted to visit them physically this year to avoid the risks of coronavirus transmission.

The authorities of the convalescent homes took additional safety measures as the deadly virus is prone to wreak havoc on the elderly people more frequently.

On the day of Eid celebrations, many families of the senior citizens brought special dishes but failed to access the old home. The caregivers received the foods and delivered those to the right persons.

An eight-member group of youths, who went to the Swapnolok Peace Vally on the occasion of Eid in the morning, also had to come back as no outsiders were allowed to visit the old home members due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation.  

Rashed Rahi, a member of the group, said "I have no relatives here, but wanted to spend good time with the senior citizens. We came here considering that these elderly people may feel lonely and frustrated if no one visits them on the special occasion of Eid."

Senior citizens of this home like socializing with others as most of the time they remain alone. But this year visitors have been restricted considering the safety protocols, said Nishat Jahan Asha, Shyamoli branch manager of Swapnolok Peace Vally.

"We are only allowing visits of family members following the social distance. Families can also bring food for their near ones but caregivers will receive and distribute them.", she explained.

They want to ensure complete safety as Coronavirus poses greater risks to the senior citizens, she added.

The home has also prepared special food items for elderly members marking the Eid, Asha said.

Swapnolok Peace Vally accommodates those who have decent economic capacity but lack dear ones for their care.

Many senior citizens who wish to live a safe and respectful life which is hindered due to the negligence of their family members, can also reach this old home.

Another private old home - Subarta Trust of capital's 15 Holi Lane - has all modern facilities and can accommodate around 70 people. Subarta Trust has two more branches at Manikganj and Mymensingh.

Besides, Child and Old Age Care, located at South Paikpara of Mirpur already gained much appreciation for their service to the floating elderly people during the Coronavirus crisis.

Miraz Hossain, supervisor of Child and Old Age Care, told The Business Standard that most of the members there don't have any relatives.

In some cases, few people come to visit the elderly men who earlier handed them over, he said, adding that "But this year visits have been prohibited."

"We are trying our best amid the crisis moment. Most of the senior citizens are suffering from different health complications here. We prepared different dishes considering their health conditions along with meat and desserts.", he stated.

Strict safety measures were also taken in SOS Children's Village in Shyamoli area where no visitors were allowed.

Mohammad Abdullah, a former student of the organisation, said "Despite we are not allowed to stay at the SOS Children's Village anymore but we don't have any other place to visit as we have been raised here since our childhood."

"I visit the Children's Village on special occasions and return after spending the whole day here.", he said.

Another ex-student of the organization who is unwilling to disclose his name and is currently working in a private organisation, said Children's Village has special arrangements on Eid which instigated his visit along with his girlfriend. "I have no other place to visit without this village.", he said.