The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl


By Ramona Moreno Winner, BrainStorm3000

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor". So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinners together.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when you get old." The four year old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.


Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663
Website: http://www.omashram.org/
Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htmhttp://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

4th Unit of Omashram Old Age Homes inaugurated

Shri Cousalya Raman, the oldest male resident of Omashram

inaugurates the 4th Unit.

Mohan Pai, Founder Chairman of Omashram Trust helps Shri Cousalya Raman light the lamp. Geeta Shankar, Managing Trustee on the right.

Sathyanarayana Puja in progress

The 4th Unit of Omashram Old Age Homes at Devarchikkanhalli was inaugurated on Sunday, December 13, 2009.The new prmises with a large garden space will accommodate 25 additional abandoned elderly taking the total number of Omashram community to 60 old residents.


Satyanarayana Puja was performed on the occasion followed by lunch for the elderly residents, visitors & staff.

Mrs. Uma Pai(Inner Wheel, Koramangala) brought a group of blid singers from Samarthanam and their recital enlivened the occasion.

Uma Pai & Blind singers from Samarthana

Residents of Omashram

                                                                                                 Aarti

Lunch Time

                                                                                                                                              Chandraprabha & Megha

Dedicated staff of Omashram

                                                                                                               Lata & Geeta, dancing away.


Contact us:

Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
Website: http://www.omashram.org/
Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Self-Portrait Group, Bangalore

From Self-Portrait Group, Bangalore with Love

A five-member team of Help-Portrait group of Bangalore descended at Omashram on the morning of December 12, 2009. Their mission: Shoot portrait pictures of all the old folks at Omashram and give it absolutely free to each resident of Omashram. This is indeed a novel and unique idea to help and create awareness for social causes.

The team members were 1. Indu Antony 2. Aditya Mukherji 2. Rahul Menon 4. Anwar Donald 5. Kshitiz Anand - all of them enthusiastic and avid photographers. The team spent the whole day at Omashram chatting with the the old folks of Omashram and shooting their portraits.

ABOUT SELF-PORTRAIT GROUP

The brainchild of celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a movement of photographers, coming together in every major city, to use their photography skills to give back to the community. On December 12th, photographers around the world will be grabbing their cameras, finding people in need, and taking their picture.

When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered. Yep. It really is that easy. And by the way, we don't want to see your photos. This is about GIVING the pictures, not taking them. These portraits are not for your portfolio, website, or for sale. Money isn't involved here.

Thank you Self-Portrait Group for the initiative and your concern for the OLD at OMASHRAM.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust.
December 13, 2009

Invitation - Inauguration of Unit 4 of Omashram Old Age Homes

An invitation to all our donors, friends & well-wishers.

Omashram Trust, Bangalore

cordially invite you to the inauguration of

the 4th unit of Omashram Old Age Homes

at Devarchikkanhalli, Bannerghatta Road,

Bangalore 560 076

on December 13, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.

and for Satyanarayan Puja

being performed at the venue.

 

Omashram Trust is happy to announce the launch of its fourth unit located in the same compound as Unit no. 2 in peaceful and serene surroundings with a large garden space. The new unit will accommodate 20-25 additional old & abandoned elderly residents with full board taking the total community of the old folks to 55-60 elderly.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman
Geeta Shankar,
Managing Trustee,
Prarthana Unkalkar,
Trustee.

December 3, 2009
R.S.V.P. Geeta Shankar: 9845567663

World Diabetes Day - 14th November

World Diabetes Day – November 14

Diabetes is a condition where in the body does not produce enough insulin or produces ineffective insulin leading to an increase in blood sugar levels.

What do the recent statistics say?

India, China, US in the order is the top three countries having the largest number of Diabetic population. India has been termed as the ‘DIABETIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD’. Statistics reveal that there are approximately 33 million adults with diabetes in India. This number is likely to increase to 57.2 million by the year 2025. People dread this disorder and some have the trouble of accepting that they have diabetes and making the required modification in their lifestyle. These problems arise if you do not know the facts about Diabetes. Here are some of the FAQ which will help to bust certain myths and make you aware of the facts.

How do I know if I have Diabetes?

The early stages of diabetes have very few symptoms, so you may not know you have the disease. Symptoms of diabetes may include the following:

· Extreme thirst

· Extreme hunger

· Frequent urination

· Sores or bruises that heal slowly

· Dry, itchy skin

· Unexplained weight loss

· Blurry vision

· Unusual tiredness or drowsiness

· Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

· Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections

Screening is usually done with a blood test. Blood test during fasting as well as after having meals (post prandial) would be a good indicator to find out whether a person is diabetic or not. Fasting blood sugar for a normal person should be between 80-125mg/dl.

Some of you may say, “I am just 30+ yrs old; I will not get Diabetes, so why should I worry about it now?”

More and more young people between the ages of 30-45 are becoming prone to Diabetes. It is no longer a disease for the aged! The main reason being changes in lifestyle pattern i.e. major deviations in diet; decreased physical activity due to improved transportation and availability of energy-saving devices; a high level of mental stress associated with modernization. So if you have any two of the risk factors like a family history of Diabetes, overweight, a sedentary lifestyle accompanied by stress then you are more likely to end up having high blood sugar levels. So keep a tab on the risk factors and get yearly health check up done.

Some of you may say, “My parents are Diabetic; I will get the disease anyway, so in what way I can prevent this by taking precautions?”

If you follow a healthy lifestyle like having a well balanced diet with good amount of exercise every day, try to maintain your body weight in the normal range and also know how to handle stress then chances are that you might end up not having Diabetes at all or at least delay the onset of the disease.

Some may ask a question, “I am taking medications for Diabetes; my sugar levels are well controlled, I avoid sugar wherever possible; then what should I do more on diet/exercise?

Managing Diabetes most effectively involves a three prong approach…., Diet, exercise and medications. This goes a long way in preventing fluctuations in blood sugar levels and also in preventing the complications. Good news for recently diagnosed diabetics! You can maintain blood sugar levels without popping any pills! This is possible by following a healthy and well balanced diet along with some exercises. Those who are not careful about their diet may end up taking more and more drugs or taking more units of insulin which is a huge strain not only on your purse but also on your overall health. Consulting a team of professionals would help you to manage Diabetes in a controlled manner, minimizing its complications.

Let me tell you now, “What precautions should you take to prevent Diabetes?”

The main risk factors for the onset of Diabetes can be divided into two parts – modifiable and non-modifiable.

· Non-modifiable include – high racial susceptibility to Diabetes and family history of Diabetes

· Modifiable include – unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, overweight and central obesity, high stress levels

Modifiable risk factors are in your hands! You need to take precautions against them and ensure that you can delay/prevent the onset of this disorder.

So are you motivated enough to do what it takes to prevent Diabetes?

Do you want to know the best way to prevent Diabetes?

Do you want to know how to take the first step towards the prevention?

Are you worried about the health of your family and want to safe guard it?

The slogan of World Diabetes Day 2009 is “Understand Diabetes and Take Control”

Prevention is lot more economical than the cost of recovery!

So what are you waiting for? Act now. If you want Health Managers to help manage your Risk….Contact us to take the first step towards good health!

Courtesy: 2mpower Health Management Services Private Ltd.
#658, 17th D Main, 6th Block, Near Koramangala Club, Koramangala, Bangalore-560095
Phone: +91 80 4143 5601/02, Email: health@2mpower.in, Website: http://www.2mpower.in/
 
 
Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663


Website: http://www.omashram.org/

Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Help us help the helpless elderly

In the evening of
their lives, abandoned

by their near and dear ones...

Help us help them.

(there are 35 helpless, abandoned elders at Omashram)

Help us help the helpless elderly.

Omashram Trust is a charitable trust founded in the year 2001 with the objective of providing care and succor to the old. At Omashram Old Age Home we have 35 old, abandoned souls being cared for.

The trust is now into the ninth year of its existence. The past eight years have been years of struggle and considerable odds to keep this fledgling institution afloat. We have been able to continue to do this good work through the benevolence extended by kind-hearted, altruistic individuals and corporate donors alike.

Omashram provides residential care with full boarding & lodging facility to the old with medical care nursing care to the old belonging mostly to poor & middle class individuals (above 60 years of age) of all denominations

At present the facility is housed in three separate rented premises all located nearby in the Vijaya Bank colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore South. At present there are 35 residents. Unfortunately, this is the maximum capacity of the facility without cramming.

It takes Rs. 5,000/- per month for us to ensure good health and food for one elderly individual in our Ashram. We invite all individuals who feel strongly for our cause to come forward and extend their support by donating in cash or kind or by sponsoring one resident of the Ashram.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


All contributions to Omashram Trust are exempt under section 80G of the IT Act.

Cheques/DDs may please be made in the name of “Omashram Trust, Bangalore” at the address given below.
Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076.  A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297

For foreign contributions:
Omashram Trust
Sb A/c No. 2433101006399 Code No, CNRB0002433
Canara Bank, BTM Layout Branch, Bangalore 560076


Help us help the helpless elderly.

Become a member and lend
a helping hand.


This request is being sent to you as you are a friend and well-wisher of ours with a deep concern for the care of the elderly. At Omashram Old Age Home we have 35 old, abandoned souls being cared for. By becoming a member, you will be endorsing your concern in a positive way. Please opt for any one of the following memberships:

1. Patron Member One-time contribution: Rs. 1,00,000/-

2. Life Member One-time contribution: Rs. 10,000/-

3. Ordinary Member Annual contribution: Rs. 500/-

Patron Member & Life Member can choose a day on which a lunch will be hosted for the residents of Omashram once a year. There will be an annual get together for the local members at Bangalore. Local members can also celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with the elders at Omashram.

Please fill in the following coupon and mail it to us along with your payment. You can also directly credit the amount into our bank account. Your contributions for this cause are also exempt under section 80 G of the IT Act.

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman.
Bangalore.

MEMBERSHIP COUPON


Name:______________________________________________Address_______________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone:

Membership opted for: Patron/Life/Ordinary
Payment made by Cash/Cheque/DD/ in the name of Omashram Trust, Bangalore.

Amount__________________________________Bank:_________________________________

Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076.  A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297


Date:                                                                                                             Signature



An appeal to our benevolent friends & donors

Please be a host and sponsor breakfast or lunch for the old, abandoned folks
at Omashram Old Age Home and be ‘Annadata’.
 
  You can show your positive support for the care of the old by sponsoring one-time breakfast, lunch, or a whole-day meal (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) for 35 elderly at Omashram under “Annadata” scheme.

You can contribute towards any one of the following:

Breakfast: Rs. 2,000/-
Lunch: Rs. 4,000/-
Whole-day meal: Rs. 7,000/-

The Elderly at Omashram will be thankful & bless you for your act of kindness to them. If you are in Bangalore, you could join in the repast that you would be sponsoring for the old folks..

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


Contact us:
Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
 
Website: http://www.omashram.org Blogs: http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

An appeal to our benevolent friends & donors

Please be a host and sponsor breakfast or lunch for the old, abandoned folks at Omashram Old Age Home and be  ‘Annadata’.
 
You can show your positive support for the care of the old by sponsoring one-time breakfast, lunch, or a whole-day meal (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) for 35 elderly at Omashram under “Annadata” scheme.

You can contribute towards any one of the following:
Breakfast: Rs. 2,000/-
Lunch: Rs. 4,000/-
Whole-day meal: Rs. 7,000/-

The Elderly at Omashram will be thankful & bless you for your act of kindness to them. If you are in Bangalore, you could join in the repast that you would be sponsoring for the old folks.

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


All contributions to Omashram Trust are exempt under section 80G of the IT Act.

Cheques/DDs may please be made in the name of “Omashram Trust, Bangalore” at the address given below.
Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076
A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297


Contact us:


Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
Website: http://www.omashram.org/

Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

And I cried...

I am reproducing below a very touching article ‘And I cried…’ by Atul Mathur who visited an Old Age Home - Care2Care.

We admitted a 84 year old frail & sick lady last Sunday (1/1/09) at Omashram Old Age Home abandoned by her children. And another lady 93 year old whose children themselves had become old and found it difficult to look after her at home Our story is the same. The caretaker in Omashram story is ‘Geeta Didi’ , co-founder of Omashram Trust who has been selflessly caring for these unfortunate souls for the past 9 years.

And I Cried ...

An article by Atul Mathur


CARE2CARE, 01-11 -2009 14:29:

I happened to meet Dr Mona Kapur in the Face to Face party. As she runs an NGO it was my wife’s desire to meet her so that we also could do something for humanity....some service to mankind...in some miniscule way.....its the ‘drops of water’ that make an Ocean don’t they.... we thought.

Our desire led us to Mona ‘Didi’ (I can never call her Mona Kapur any longer..she is ‘Didi’ surely..a ‘godly’ sister not only to me but to the complete community that makes up her NGO)..We were at her home day before yesterday from where the Care 2 Care foundation is run. The Care 2 Care foundation runs numerous social service programmes which include programs for women empowerment, for the aged , for orphans and the underprivileged, for the differently abled and many more.

Sush, my wife, had told me many a time that she wants to look after the ‘elderly’ / the ‘aged’. She did feel compassion for orphans and the underprivileged, but it was for the aged that Sush felt a strong desire to serve. Her reasoning was ...the ‘orphans’ probably had not seen life yet...and they still had life ahead to look forward to....but the elderly...the one’s who probably had seen happier days, people who had probably sacrificed many a thing for their wards..now ‘shunned’ by their near and dear one’s, simply surviving and waiting for the ultimate destination. Should they not be the recipient of ‘love’ in this phase of their lives ...something which they too surely must have sprinkled along the way as they grew up.

While at Mona Didi’s place, we were informed about the NGO and all the work that they undertook, by Dinesh...tea was served by Urvana..(God Bless you both...Mona Didi is surely privileged to have both of you with her). The conversations led us to be shown the video of the ‘Old Age Home’ run by Care to Care...

Elderly faces propped up one by one on the laptop, each with its own sad tale...

-An elderly man who had done MA (Hons) English in 1965, abandoned by his children at the station, with the promise that they would be back to plan his Teerth Yatra’..never to return

-An elderly women who kept saying ‘Mere liye Heere kee chain zaroor laana...

-An elderly man who would stretch his arms as if to beg on seeing anybody...(Probably had been forced to beg for ages)

-A women who would tell her address somewhere in Laxmi Nagar...but who remembered nothing else.

Stories..Tales..Stories...70 elders..70 different stories. Elders with no control on their body functions...elders suffering from Alzhiemer’s... ..elders with total memory loss....elders who would continuously cry...

Amidst this I saw Mona Didi hugging them, trying to cheer some of them up. Life had not lost meaning for them.

A 90+ (98 I am told) year old women who was fond of dancing, was motivated enough to get up and dance. The ‘Nepali Baba’ another resident of the Home danced along. The ‘pallu’ of the women never slipped. She was continuously conscious of how her saree was draped. The ‘Nepali Baba’ tried to touch her....the women tapped his hand away and felt shy as any other 16 year old would...Whenever the 98 year old lady felt tired she would squat/ sit...but her zest for life made her stand again and dance. And even finally when she lay on her bed, she began the ‘Nagin’ dance....What a lady...At 98, so full of life...how could someone throw her away..?

I wondered at life’s paradox. Me a man who ‘yearned’ for parents love (both my parents are no more) did not have them...and here I saw people who had their parents and did not want them...

Another ’old’ lady equally motivated was all ready to get her pictures clicked. She was conscious enough to tidy up her dress, but never did believe that the photograph had been taken till the camera flashed...Technology had moved

forward, but her brain probably had come to a stand still at a certain period in time...

The video whirred....our feelings stirred....

I am never without a handkerchief. That day, I had thought that I would send Sush in to meet Dr Mona Kapur and I would wait outside. It was she who wanted to work for the NGO was it not? I had dressed up in a hurry, trousers, shirt et all....Identity cards, purse, mobile all kept....handkerchief however conveniently forgotten. How was I to know that I would be watching the video too...a video that would stir emotions to such an extent.

Every story ...every face in that video was bringing a tear in my eye...Control, Control....you are a Man...I thought.

As the 98 year old lady danced and I saw her zest for life, and my mind wandered to the thought that how she had been abandoned...and also when I saw her feeling shy as a 16 year old when Nepali Baba lunged forward to touch her...I knew I was losing control. But how could I show tears to all present ..No..I just could not.

I don’t know if any one noticed. My hands , reached for my pocket to search for the handkerchief. I could always use it and say something went in my eye...

My hands searched my trouser pocket ...the car key...it was there,....the pamphlet of Care to Care it was there...the mobile phone it was there...No Hanky..God help!

A tear then simply rolled out of my eye...And I cried...

Happy Diwali to all the inmates of this Old Age Home!!!!

Mona Didi ..Sush and I are now permanently attached with your NGO. You may utilize our services whichever way and whenever you want!!!! .

Mohan Pai

Founder & Chairman,

Omashram Trust

Contact us:

Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org

Website: http://www.omashram.org/

Omashram blogs:

http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/

http://omashram.wordpress.com/

http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

How to stay young.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.

     Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

 all need to live life to its fullest each day!! Worry about nothing, pray about everything then remember to do all things in moderation.

Help us help the helpless elderly

Help us help the helpless elderly.

Become a member
&
lend a helping hand.

This request is being sent to you as yo are a friend and well-wisher of ours with a deep concern for the care of the elderly. At Omashram Old Age Home we have 35 old, forlorn helpless souls being cared for. By becoming a member, you will be endorsing your concern in a positive way. Please opt for any one of the following memberships:

1. Patron Member One-time contribution: Rs. 1,00,000/-

2. Life Member One-time contribution: Rs. 10,000/-

3. Ordinary Member Annual contribution: Rs. 500/-

Patron Member & Life Member can choose a day on which a lunch will be hosted for the residents of Omashram once a year. There will be an annual get together for the local members at Bangalore. Local members can also celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with the elders at Omashram. Please fill in the following coupon and mail it to us along with your payment. You can also do direct credit into our bank account. Your contributions are also tax deductible under 80 G of the IT Act.
Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman.
Bangalore. October 17, 2009

MEMBERSHIP COUPON

Name:______________________________________________Address_______________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone:Membership opted for: Patron/Life/OrdinaryPayment made by Cash/Cheque/DD/ in the name of Omashram Trust, Bangalore. Amount__________________________________Bank:_________________________________Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main, BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076. A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297

Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663

'JOY OF GIVING' Week at Omashram

'JOY OF GIVING' Week at

OMASHRAM

0 The ‘Joy of Giving’ week started with a prelude on Thursday, September 24,2009. Mr. Milind Joshi, Senior Vice President, Bharti Axa, hosted a lunch for all the residents & staff of Omashram. Mr. Milind Joshi & family and their friends graced the occasion.
0 On Friday 25, 2009 Mr. Imbarajan & friends hosted lunch for all the residents and staff of Omashram.
0 Mr. Manjunath & team from Mysore came with gift of towels for the residents as well as spent some time with the elders.
0 Ms. Shilpashree & friend dropped in and gave cash donation as well as had a chat with the elders.

M. S. Ramaiah Medical College brings a gift of ‘Free’ Medical-check up for the elderly at Omashram.

Dr. Range Gowda addressing the SAP Volunteer Group

On the morning of Saturday, October 3, 2009, a team of 10 doctors and senior nurses headed by Dr. N. S. Range Gowda, MD,from M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, decsended at Omashram with medical equipments for the camp that had been scheduled earlier with the kind co-ordination of iVolunteer of Bangalore.

Doctors at work

SAP Group Volunteers drop in on the elders at Omashram on October 3, 2009. Twenty members of the SAP group dropped in and spent the morning chatting with the elders at Omashram. The group brought a gift of 30 coffee mugs for the elders. iVolunteer, Bangalore co-ordinated their visit.

SAP Group members chatting away with the elders.

Joy of Giving Group, Bangalore visited the Elders of Omashram bearing the gift of food provisions and spent the whole afternoon with the residents of Omashram spread out in three different premises.

Joy of Giving Group members with the elders.

iVolunteers Role

Ms. Prarthana Unkalkar & Archana not only took the lead in organising the Medical camp and SAP Group visits but spent the whole morning with the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai, Founder, Omashram Trust.
Bangalore. October 4, 2009

World Elders Day & Gandhiji's Birthday

The World Elders Day will be observed tomorrow (1.10.09) followed by Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary the next day (2.10.09). Mohandas Gandhi was born on 2.10.1869 and assassinated on 31.1.1948 at the age of 78.

World Elders Day

October 1, 2009

Tomorrow at Omashram we shall be observing the World Elders Day. We now have 35 lonely and isolated souls as residents. Volunteers, well-wishers, donors drop in often and spend time with them and chat with them. Events like Independence Day, X’mas, Independence Day, Birthdays, etc. are organised by volunteers and donors. A number of kind-hearted donors have been hosting lunches for the residents on the day of the donor’s choice and spend a good deal of time with the residents And all this helps a great deal in alleviating their feeling of isolation and loneliness. Today, it is sad to see that this day which ought to have been celebrated at home is celebrated more outside in old age and destitute homes. The reason: today there is an increasing impatience among young men and women and this has forced many elders, willingly or unwillingly, to move into homes for the aged.

Psychiatrists believe that fulfilling the physical, psychological and emotional needs of elders is the key to keep them healthy and happy. Intentional or unintentional neglect, impudence and maltreatment inside the families and in the society often lead to high levels of stress among elders. This in turn could lead to various physical ailments, psychological and emotional disorders and even cause death in some cases.
Elders are like children with their mood swings, sometimes too quickly not allowing us enough time to grasp. Elders need attention at homes and if we don’t give it, they start demanding it. When the elders begin to feel they are neglected, they adopt ways to attract attention from us and at times irritating. Mental agitation, restlessness, falling sick often, nausea, vomiting and even suicide attempts could be just reactions to this neglect by family members. Immediate medical care, physical and psychological alone may not be enough. We need to spend some quality time with them showing genuine concern. They deserve love care and respect for the simple reason that they brought you up with a load of problems and sacrifice.

To understand the plight of the elderly in India today please read my document “The Elderly”. Kindly log on to:

http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/post/2009/03/omashram-old-age-home-bangalore.htm

Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

October 2, 2009

“I have nothing to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills”

- Mohandas Gandhi

The Elder that was...

Passages from ‘Introduction’ to “An Autobiography OR The Story of my experiments with truth” (1925)
...My experience in the political field are now known, not only in India, but to a certain extent to the ‘civilized’ world. For me , they have not much value, and the title of Mahatma that they have won for me has, therefore, even less. Often the title has deeply pained me; and there is not a moment I can recall when it may be said to have tickled me. But I should certainly like to narrate my experiments in the spiritual field which are known only to myself, and from which I have derived such powers as I possess for working in the political field. If the experiments are really spiritual, then there can be no room for self-praise. They can only add to my humility. The more I reflect and look back on the past, the more vividly do I feel my limitations...
...But for me, truth is the sovereign principle, which includes numerous other principles. This truth is not only truthfulness in the world, but truthfulness in thought also, and not only the relative truth of our conception, but the Absolute Truth, the Eternal principle, that is God...
...In judging myself I shall try to be as harsh as truth, as I want others also to be. Measuring myself by that standard I must exclaim Surdas:

Where is there a wretch

So wicked and loathsome as I ?

I have forsaken my Maker;

So faithless have I been.

For it is an unbroken torture to me that I am still so far from Him, who, as I fully know, governs every breath of my life, and whose offspring I am...

"JOY OF GIVING" Week

We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill.

The JOY OF GIVING Week

- September 27-October 3, 2009

Mahatma Gandhi went from city to city, village to village collecting funds for the Charkha Sangh. During one of his tours he addressed a meeting in Orissa. After his speech a poor old woman got up. She was bent with age, her hair was grey and her clothes were in tatters. The volunteers tried to stop her, but she fought her way to the place where Gandhiji was sitting. “I must see him,” she insisted and going up to Gandhiji touched his feet. Then from the folds of her sari she brought out a copper coin and placed it at his feet. Gandhiji picked up the copper coin and put it away carefully. The Charkha Sangh funds were under the charge of Jamnalal Bajaj. He asked Gandhiji for the coin but Gandhiji refused. “I keep cheques worth thousands of rupees for the Charkha Sangh,” Jamnalal Bajaj said laughingly “yet you won’t trust me with a copper coin.” “This copper coin is worth much more than those thousands,” Gandhiji said. “If a man has several lakhs and he gives away a thousand or two, it doesn’t mean much. But this coin was perhaps all that the poor woman possessed. She gave me all she had. That was very generous of her. What a great sacrifice she made. That is why I value this copper coin more than a crore of rupees.

As India continues to struggle with its paradoxes of growth with inequity, of having the most billionaires in the world and the largest impoverished population, the Joy of Giving Week is an opportunity to redeem ourselves. To paraphrase management guru Peter Drucker's words, when we look in the mirror in the morning, we should be looking at a citizen who takes responsibility, a person who as a neighbour cares.

The Joy of Giving Week is the beginning of a national movement. The first of its kind for India, and for every single Indian.
It is a platform for all across the country to celebrate the joy of giving. Whether you are a paan wala in Lucknow, a traffic cop in Mumbai, an idli seller in Madurai, a millionaire in Delhi, a multinational company in Bengaluru, a saree shop owner in Kolkata, a teenager in a school or a college goer in Vadodara….
This is your opportunity to reach out to someone less privileged – by donating money, volunteering time, providing your skills and even just saying a kind word to someone who may not have expected it from you.
All you need to be part of the Joy of Giving Week is to do one simple conscious act of giving. So join the movement, now!

Experience the sheer bliss of "giving" at OMASHRAM

There are 35 elderly, helpless & abondoned souls at Omashram Old Age Home in Bangalore.

Give a bit of your time for them. they feel lonely and isolated. Come and spend a little of your time and chat with them. You will help break their feeling of isolation and loneliness. If your finances permit give them small gifts and get their blessings.

Come and discover the many ways that you can help amliorate their suffering.

The three units of Omashram Old Age Home are located in Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, (Behind IIM), Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076.

Address:

Omashram Trust,

#850, 5th A Cross, 11th Main’Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli,Bannerghatta Road,Bangalore 560 076 Karnataka, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682, 080-64530629
Web site http://www.omashram./

BLOGS: http://omashram.sulekha.com/ http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/ http:geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com

You could even make donation as a direct credit into the the institution's bank accounts:

TAX EXEMPTION
All donations are exempt under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act.
Omashram Trust has also been registered with the Central Government under the Foreign Contdribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 for the acceptance of foreign contributions.
DIRECT CREDITS MAY PLEASE BE MADE INTO THE FOLLOWING BANK ACCOUNTS:
Omashram Trust Sb A/c No. 2433101025253 Code No. CNRB0002433Canara Bank, BTM Layout Branch, Bangalore 560076for Indian contributions.
Omashram Trust Sb A/c No. 2433101006399 Code No, CNRB0002433Canara Bank, BTM Layout Branch, Bangalore 560076 for foreign contributions

Mohan Pai,

Founder, Omashram Trust

World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer’s Day

September 23, 2009

World Alzheimer’s day will be observed this month (September 23, 2009). While the disease is generally known as a form of dementia which is incurable, there is a need to spread awareness about this malady because of the seriousness of the condition and the great burden it places on the caregiver. Last year we had a woman resident at Omashram with this condition and we managed her fairly well but one fine morning she just slipped out, never to be traced in spite of our own efforts to track her down and the police who also searched for her all over but without success.

About Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease, Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common form of dementia. This incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him.

Alois Alzheimer's patient Auguste D in 1902. Hers was the first described case of what became known as Alzheimer's disease.

Generally it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier. An estimated 26.6 million people worldwide had Alzheimer's in 2006; this number may quadruple by 2050.Although the course of Alzheimer's disease is unique for every individual, there are many common symptoms. The earliest observable symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress. In the early stages, the most commonly recognised symptom is memory loss, such as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts. When a doctor or physician has been notified, and AD is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with behavioural assessments and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan if available. As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as their senses decline. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Individual prognosis is difficult to assess, as the duration of the disease varies.

AD develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and it can progress undiagnosed for years. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years. Fewer than three percent of individuals live more than fourteen years after diagnosis.The cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. Currently used treatments offer a small symptomatic benefit; no treatments to delay or halt the progression of the disease are as yet available. As of 2008, more than 500 clinical trials were investigating possible treatments for AD, but it is unknown if any of them will prove successful. Many measures have been suggested for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, but there is a lack of adequate support indicating that the degenerative process can be slowed. Mental stimulation, exercise, and a balanced diet are suggested, as both a possible prevention and a sensible way of managing the disease. Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, management of patients is essential. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative. Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers; the pressures can be wide-ranging, involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements of the caregiver's life. In developed countries, AD is one of the most economically costly diseases to society.

Charlton Heston and Ronald Reagan at a meeting in the White House. Both of them would later develop Alzheimer's disease.

Caregiving
Since Alzheimer's has no cure and it gradually renders people incapable of tending for their own needs, caregiving essentially is the treatment and must be carefully managed over the course of the disease.During the early and moderate stages, modifications to the living environment and lifestyle can increase patient safety and reduce caretaker burden. Examples of such modifications are the adherence to simplified routines, the placing of safety locks, the labelling of household items to cue the person with the disease or the use of modified daily life objects. The patient may also become incapable of feeding themselves, so they require food in smaller pieces or pureed.When swallowing difficulties arise, the use of feeding tubes may be required. In such cases, the medical efficacy and ethics of continuing feeding is an important consideration of the caregivers and family members. The use of physical restraints is rarely indicated in any stage of the disease, although there are situations when they are necessary to prevent harm to the person with AD or their caregiversAs the disease progresses, different medical issues can appear, such as oral and dental disease, pressure ulcers, malnutrition, hygiene problems, or respiratory, skin, or eye infections. Careful management can prevent them, while professional treatment is needed when they do arise. During the final stages of the disease, treatment is centred on relieving discomfort until death.

Caregiver’s burden

The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative. Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers which includes social, psychological, physical or economic aspects. Home care is usually preferred by patients and families. This option also delays or eliminates the need for more professional and costly levels of care. Dementia caregivers are subject to high rates of physical and mental disorders. Factors associated with greater psychosocial problems of the primary caregivers include having an affected person at home, the carer being a spouse, demanding behaviours of the cared person such as depression, behavioural disturbances, hallucinations, sleep problems or walking disruptions and social isolation. Regarding economic problems, family caregivers often give up time from work. Cognitive behavioural therapy and the teaching of coping strategies either individually or in group have demonstrated their efficacy in improving caregivers' psychological health.

Here’s the lighter side of it.

An Old Man's Woes

A sad, old man sitting was sitting on a park bench when along came a police officer. The officer asked the old man why he was so upset.
The old man replied, "Every morning I wake up with a wonderful 20 year old blonde. She cooks great meals including sausage, and bacon and everything I love. Then we make passionate love in bed. Afterwards, she gives me a bath, with handdrawn hot water, cooks me lunch and followed by more passionate love. In the evening, we'll have top the day off with a fantastic diner and yet more wonderful love.
The police officer gets a puzzled look on his face and asks, "Well, what seems to be the problem?"
The old man replied with a sad look on his face, "I can't remember where I live!"

Mohan Pai

Omashram Trust.