Inmates suffer bad food, indifferent staff

Chennai: “After my wife’s death, I moved to this old age home. My son visits me when he is in India. But here, I am living like I am waiting for death,” said V. Kurup* (name changed), who lives at Andhra Mahila Sabha run retirement home at RA Puram.

“The solar water heater was of no use both these days as the sun was not out. I had to take a bath in cold water,” the 87-year-old told DC when we visited him earlier this week.

The residents allege that the staff does not treat them properly either. “On most days food is not served on time. It is not a state-run old age home. We are not beggars living off others’ money but have paid for services,” said T. Srinivasan, a former banker.

“They do not give permission to keep electronic items in your room but is a geyser too much too ask for? They can at least provide hot water when the solar heater doesn’t serve its purpose?” asked a visibly sad Kurup.

He moved to the home two months ago and since then has been persistently complaining about the awful quality of food to the staff but to no avail. “People would give better food to their dogs,” added Kurup. “Look at the amount of food that goes waste,” said Radha V*, showing the bin where used plates are collected. “And the milk, there is so much water that it cannot be consumed.”

At another old age home on the East Coast Road, Shanta R, recollects days after marriage when she lived across four cities in India. “After my husband’s death, I was living in Mumbai with my son. His wife started having issues with me after a misunderstanding so I decided to stay here so that my son does not have issues in his marriage,” she said. “I spend my day reading or sleeping.

Sometimes all of us sit together and talk. Facilities here are fine, but the food is not good still.” Residents like her find temporary solace in talking to others at the home, reading or meditating. While many do like the independence that they get, they also put up with the loneliness that creeps into their lives.