Mr. Yacob Darivemula

Mr. Yacob Darivemula is an 82-year-old resident of Uppalapadu village, located in Narasaraopet mandal of Palnadu district.

“Thanks to the dedicated care and support of Elder Care Home, I am in excellent health and high spirits. I no longer harbour any fears regarding my life and am completely at peace. The worries and psychological burdens I once bore have dissipated.”

“My association with this lovely Elder Care Home began on the 19th of February 2018.  Mr. Ravi, the diligent caretaker of Elder Care Home, was instrumental in this new chapter of my life. Previously, as a rickshaw puller, I faced abandonment from my own family, leading me to seek solace in the very vehicle I operated for a living. Despite having children and grandchildren, and even a home of my own, the unfortunate reality was that I was cast out, left to fend for myself.”

“Observing the challenging circumstances I was battling, Mr. Ravi extended a compassionate hand, welcoming me to the Elder Care Home. Here, I found solace, care, and a sense of belonging. The burdens of finding daily sustenance, especially in my advanced age and declining health, were lifted. I am deeply grateful for the sanctuary this home has provided.”

“Having been here for five years, I’m one of the longest-staying residents. The staff has ensured that I receive comprehensive care. From undergoing a cataract operation to being equipped with spectacles and hearing aids after necessary medical treatments in Vijayawada, they have been meticulous in catering to my health needs. Moreover, I’ve been provided with regular check-ups and necessary medication. Their attentive care has rejuvenated my health.”

“The Elder Care Home is not just a residence to me; it’s a community where I actively contribute. Whether it’s maintaining hygiene by cleaning or indulging in gardening, I’ve found purpose and joy in my daily activities here. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to HOC for their unwavering commitment and services to senior citizens like myself.”

Mr. Prasad Paruchuri

At 85 years old, Mr. Prasad Paruchuri’s eyes well up with emotion as he recalls a time when he felt discarded by his own family. “I felt as though I had no purpose or place in the world. Left to my own devices without any familial support, I questioned the purpose of my existence. It felt like a slow emotional death,” Mr. Paruchuri reflects.

Hailing from Sattenapalli and having a son, he felt the weight of loneliness and neglect keenly. Fortunately, things took a turn for the better when he came into contact with the Elder Care Home of HOC. “Joining the home on 6th November 2019 was the beginning of my second life. They provided for my basic needs – from shelter, food, clothing to healthcare. Their support staff went above and beyond, assisting me with acquiring a ration card and ensuring my pension was consistently updated. They even transferred my pension collection point for greater convenience.”

Mr. Paruchuri’s voice chokes up with gratitude as he recalls the special moments at the Elder Care Home. “Each year, they’d celebrate my birthday, which brought profound joy to my heart. Even during my health crises, I felt their unwavering support. When I fell gravely ill in November 2020, they ensured all services and I received the best care at Varababu hospital in Narasaraopet.”

Sadly, Mr. Prasad’s health deteriorated rapidly. On 28th September 2023, after a severe brain stroke rendered him incapacitated, the staff of the Elder Care Home immediately transferred him to the Government hospital in Narsaraopet. Recognizing the severity of his condition, the doctors recommended moving him to Guntur General Hospital. However, the prognosis was not promising.

Understanding the gravity of his condition and respecting his wish to spend his final days in his hometown, his family decided to take him home. Unfortunately, Mr. Prasad passed away shortly after, surrounded by his loved ones. Representatives from the Elder Care Home were present during his final rituals, paying their respects to a cherished resident. Mr. Prasad’s active participation in the home’s daily activities and his unwavering spirit will be remembered fondly by all.

Ramapurapu Thereesamma

“Since arriving at the Elder Care Home of Hands Of Compassion (HOC), I’ve been enveloped in a level of love, care, and affection that I’ve never experienced before. Receiving timely meals and being surrounded by supportive individuals makes me feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life,” shared Ramapurapu Thereesamma.

She born in Gogunta village in the East Godavari district and 77-year-old.  Later settled in Vijayawada. She has been availing Elder Care Home services since December 13, 2019. Reflecting on her past, she said, “I was a child bride, married off at the tender age of 15. Tragedy struck when I lost my husband while our two sons were still young. It was an uphill battle, but I managed to educate them up to the 10th standard and saw them settled in their marital lives.”

However, life dealt Thereesamma another blow when her elder son passed away during his children’s formative years. She recalled the hardships she faced thereafter, saying, “His wife showed no compassion towards me. She neglected my well-being, often withholding food. Meanwhile, my younger son, battling psychological challenges, fell into the clutches of drugs and often physically harmed me. During a particularly low moment, I even contemplated ending my own life.”

Fortunately, a kind individual intervened at the right time, and Mr. Ravi, the caretaker of the HOC Elder Care Home, learned of Thereesamma’s plight. “He brought me here, into this sanctuary. When I arrived, I had nothing,” she said. “But the home offer me the basic services like shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare. Further, I was given cataract treatment, provided spectacles at no cost, and was even tested and vaccinated for COVID-19. The regular health check-ups and any necessary medications are all taken care of. The best part is everything is provided free of charge.”

Thereesamma ended her testimony with gratitude, stating, “I can’t express enough how thankful I am to HOC. They truly brought light back into my life.”

Mrs. Janakamma

“Before my introduction to the Elder Care Home by Hand Of Compassion (HOC) in Narsaraopet, I held a deep-rooted belief that as elders, once our families became reluctant to care for us, our lives would come to a desolate standstill. The frailty and dependency that accompany old age seemed to inevitably lead to challenging circumstances. However, my previous misconceptions were completely dispelled upon witnessing the exceptional standards and care offered by HOC.

I’ve had the privilege of being part of this Elder Care Home since 26th May 2021. Originating from Nakirekal village in Palnadu district, I am now 72 years old. Reflecting on my time here, it’s hard to articulate the immense gratitude I feel towards the relentless humanitarian efforts put forth by Hand Of Compassion. Before this transition, I felt a profound sense of being orphaned. Now, in this home, I’ve found an environment that makes me feel cherished and valued. The support and camaraderie I experience here often surpasses the bonds of blood and kinship.

The professionalism and punctuality with which all services are rendered is truly commendable. Whether it’s the timely meals that not only satiate but also nourish, or the counselling services that have fortified my psychological resilience, the quality of care here is unparalleled. These are amenities and gestures of kindness that, in my experience, are sometimes even absent within familial settings.

Furthermore, the Elder Care Home has not only catered to my basic needs but has also gone above and beyond. With their support, I underwent a cataract operation and subsequently received spectacles. My current health condition is optimal, and I find myself in high spirits consistently.

To put things into perspective, while I am a mother to four children, their absence in my life has been palpable. However, this institution has filled those voids and more. Having endured neglect and periods of hunger, my current state of contentment is a testament to HOC’s unwavering commitment. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Hand Of Compassion for their outstanding dedication to improving the lives of elders like myself.”