The team behind fourteen years of exceptional care at Kaski Residential Home
In Nepal, the family is the main source of support and care for the elderly. It is traditional for younger members of the family to help their older relatives with day-to-day activities and care for them in their twilight years. There are occasions however, where this simply is not possible.
Creating a safe place
The need for a home to care for the elderly veterans and widows was felt in 2005 when we discovered that some Nepali villages were emptying out due to younger villagers migrating for job opportunities, leaving the older villagers behind.
With generous funding from The Michael Uren Foundation, in 2007 the Trust purchased a block of land adjacent to the Area Welfare Centre in Kaski, on level ground, close to excellent medical facilities and with stunning views of the Himalayas, it was perfect in every way. With Khem Thapa, Area Welfare Officer at the time, leading the project, construction of the home began. The home was completed in Spring 2010, a remarkable achievement in a country where the supply of materials is erratic and monsoon rains halt construction for months on end.
Construction of RH Kaski
“I was part of the team responsible for the construction of our first Residential Home in Kaski back in 2009. I recently had the pleasure of returning to the Residential Home in my role as Advisor at the Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces of the staff, many of whom I hired all those years ago. 80% of the original staff are still working at the Home. The Home has stood the test of time and has set the standard of elderly care in Nepal.”
Khem Thapa, Gurkha Welfare Advisor (UK)
Meet members of the RH Kaski Team
As splendid as it is the Residential home is not about bricks and mortar. It’s greatest element is it’s people.
Purna Bahadur Rana
Administration Coordinator
Purna Bahadur Rana has worked for the Trust for the past 24 years, he has been serving at the Residential Home in Kaski, right from its inception, 14 years ago.
What is your favorite part of the job?
In my line of work, every aspect brings me joy and fulfillment. My favourite part of the job is the satisfaction of our vulnerable pensioners. I feel very happy and at peace if I am able to help them and make them happy, be it from a financial point of view, social point of view, or religious point of view.
I feel very proud because I didn’t get the opportunity to look after my parents. Both my parents passed away at a very young age. So, I call the residents here my mother and father.
Message to the donors
First of I would like to salute the Michael Uren Foundation and want to thank all the donors who have or have been helping the Gurkha Welfare Trust. I first of all got an opportunity to serve old people in our RH. Because of the donations, we have been able to properly run the RH. The RH we have over here has become a model. Our veterans and widows have been able to receive the maximum level of care and service. If they had not received our care and attention, then most of our beneficiaries would have already passed away. The residents over here have also been able to live their lives with dignity.
Khomaya Gurung
Residential Home Nurse Kaski
Khomaya Gurung has worked as a Residential Home Nurse at the Home in Kaski for over five years.
Khomaya was drawn to GWT because of its excellent services and facilities for both our pensioners and staff members. Additionally, she has always had a passion for caring for senior citizens.
“When I joined GWT, there were limited resources for geriatric care in Pokhara. Even in our course, they didn’t teach us much about it. So, I also wanted to experience it.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
Currently, my favourite aspect of the job is our rehabilitation program. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our beneficiaries spend a few months at the Residential Home (RH), receiving social and physiological support to complete their rehabilitation journey. Whether it’s aiding beneficiaries with low nutritional status or those recovering from strokes. I love taking care of them and helping them. Witnessing their progress and eventual departure fills me with immense joy.
Providing care and support to our beneficiaries is immensely fulfilling. Not everyone has the opportunity to receive comprehensive medical, nutritional, and round-the-clock care in their old age. I think the residents are fortunate to have received such care. It’s gratifying to witness their improvement and know that we’ve made a positive impact on their lives.
Message to the Donors
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all donors who have generously supported GWT. Your contributions have enabled us to provide our beneficiaries with dignity and care. Your continued support ensures that we can continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve. I wish you success and fulfilment in all your endeavors. Thank you.