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ARMENIAN GERIATRIC HOUSE NEEDS ASSISTANCE
13:05 ~U 21.06.13
The Abovyan-based old-age pensioners' house Narek, which presently
offers shelter to around 36 elderly people, is now in need of a
serious assistance.
The president and director of the institution held Friday a news
conference to raise awareness of their problems and say they now need
sponsors to keep offering care to the beneficiaries.
Shoghik Mikaelyan, the house's director, said that their beneficiaries'
pension is now the only financial resources that they now have. "In
2003, we moved the elderly to the Abovyan hospital's old building which
underwent repairs with [Prosperous Armenia] leader Gagik Tsarukyan's
assistance. Today, though, we have certain complaints; the pensions
are not enough and the food is expensive; we have a leaking roof and
a sewage problem.
"The elderly now live free of care, with the rest hours being full. We
take them everywhere: to concerts, opera, theatre. Most are refugees.
We are now searching sponsors to only improve the conditions and expand
[our premises]," she said.
Mikaelyan added that they now have sick people needing a permanent
attention. "I have seven lying patients, all being under my care;
one has been keeping to bed for 14 years already," she said.
Speaking further, the president, Fridrikh Mikaelyan explained the
reasons of founding the institutions. "When we opened the institution
in 1999, we came to realize that we cannot possibly be indifferent to
the difficulties in the country, so we decided to ensure tolerable
conditions for the elderly. I have applied to several international
organizations, including UMCOR, whose help was the greatest. They have
given us land lots, bees and cheese; we have absolutely no problem with
milk products. We often feel shy to turn to anyone for help as they
tell us 'don't do if you cannot'. But every person has his talents,
so we think our talents is to offer help," he said.
Both spouses agreed that a charity organization offering them monthly
300,000-400,000 Drams (approx. $720-$1000) would be fully enough to
meet the existing needs.
"We solve problems mainly from pensions and financial debits. Anyone
coming here pays 50,000 Drams (approx. $120); that's goes to the
utilities. But it is more difficult in winter. The elderly stay there
with us, saying the government has a decision not to pay benefits to
those living in care houses," he added.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/21/retirement-homes/
13:05 ~U 21.06.13
The Abovyan-based old-age pensioners' house Narek, which presently
offers shelter to around 36 elderly people, is now in need of a
serious assistance.
The president and director of the institution held Friday a news
conference to raise awareness of their problems and say they now need
sponsors to keep offering care to the beneficiaries.
Shoghik Mikaelyan, the house's director, said that their beneficiaries'
pension is now the only financial resources that they now have. "In
2003, we moved the elderly to the Abovyan hospital's old building which
underwent repairs with [Prosperous Armenia] leader Gagik Tsarukyan's
assistance. Today, though, we have certain complaints; the pensions
are not enough and the food is expensive; we have a leaking roof and
a sewage problem.
"The elderly now live free of care, with the rest hours being full. We
take them everywhere: to concerts, opera, theatre. Most are refugees.
We are now searching sponsors to only improve the conditions and expand
[our premises]," she said.
Mikaelyan added that they now have sick people needing a permanent
attention. "I have seven lying patients, all being under my care;
one has been keeping to bed for 14 years already," she said.
Speaking further, the president, Fridrikh Mikaelyan explained the
reasons of founding the institutions. "When we opened the institution
in 1999, we came to realize that we cannot possibly be indifferent to
the difficulties in the country, so we decided to ensure tolerable
conditions for the elderly. I have applied to several international
organizations, including UMCOR, whose help was the greatest. They have
given us land lots, bees and cheese; we have absolutely no problem with
milk products. We often feel shy to turn to anyone for help as they
tell us 'don't do if you cannot'. But every person has his talents,
so we think our talents is to offer help," he said.
Both spouses agreed that a charity organization offering them monthly
300,000-400,000 Drams (approx. $720-$1000) would be fully enough to
meet the existing needs.
"We solve problems mainly from pensions and financial debits. Anyone
coming here pays 50,000 Drams (approx. $120); that's goes to the
utilities. But it is more difficult in winter. The elderly stay there
with us, saying the government has a decision not to pay benefits to
those living in care houses," he added.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/21/retirement-homes/