Looking after a hero in our Residential Home

We would like to thank all the supporters who donated to our last appeal, which highlighted our rehabilitation services for injured Gurkha veterans and widows at our Residential Homes. These homes in Kaski and Dharan provide round-the-clock care to some of our most vulnerable pensioners, who would otherwise struggle to live alone. With no comparable facility in Nepal, they set the standard of care for the elderly.

Padam Bahadur Rai, aged 79, is one of the Gurkha veterans who lives at our home in Dharan. Much beloved and full of character, Padam has been looked after by our staff since 2018.

Nearly a decade of brave service

Padam served as a Gurkha for just under 10 years. He enlisted with the 2/7 Gurkha Rifles in 1961 and trained in India before being sent out to Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Brunei.

“Those ten years were some of my most treasured times, during which I battled against adversaries,” said Padam. “In Brunei I would carry a hefty load of supplies to the general purpose machine gun.

“After being released from the British Army, I went back to Nepal in 1971. I continued to reside in my village with my family once I was sent back home.”

About twelve years after retiring from the army, Padam discovered The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s services. He registered with our Area Welfare Centre in Diktel, and for decades we ensured that he lived with dignity by providing him with a monthly pension and medical care.

A lifeline in his time of need

Padam before arriving at our Residential Home.

Four years ago, Padam had suffered from a sudden illness. He was in a particularly vulnerable situation as he was living in a remote village, far away from any hospitals or health posts. One of his family members reached out to the Trust and we immediately arranged for his transportation to the hospital. Once he was in a more stable condition, we invited him to live at our Residential Home in Dharan to receive round-the-clock care.

When it comes to looking after our Gurkha veterans and widows, we take a holistic approach. We wanted to not only ensure Padam recovered from his illness, but also monitor his overall nutrition and mental wellbeing. It is all about boosting the quality of life for our pensioners in every way possible, to help them live the lives they deserve.

“My initial impression of the Residential Home was that they provided excellent lodging, medical care, and cuisine in a pleasant setting,” Padam said.

In our Dharan Residential Home, we helped Padam recover.

In no time, our expert staff got Padam to a healthy weight with nutritious meals.

“My favourite is the Dhido (thick porridge) with chicken curry soup,” Padam said. “The Residential Home provides this meal every week and I love it.”
During the day, our staff organise plenty of activities to keep residents busy, including board games, field trips, and celebrations for religious holidays.

“I like taking quizzes and playing indoor games. I enjoy exploring new locations too,” Padam said. “Most recently, we visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. I also appreciate how the Residential Home respectfully observes all the various holidays, which helps me connect with the other residents and is just lovely.”

The ‘Bravest of the Brave’ thanks you

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone at The Gurkha Welfare Trust, and the donors in the UK, for the great Residential Home service. It gives us veterans a warm, comfortable place to receive high-quality, all-encompassing care and I am happy to stay here.”

Padam (left) standing with other Gurkha veterans and widows from our Dharan Residential Home during a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.