Kanlungan ni Maria

Home for the aged is a nursing home for the elderly and the handicapped. Here in the Philippines, there are other nursing homes, though perhaps not as numerous or common as in the United States. Some are run by religious institutions, government agencies, and private NGOs, The most well known and probably one of the pioneers is Golden Acres which is located in Quezon City and the other one is the Kanlungan ni Maria in Antipolo City. 

There are close to 20 elders staying at Kanlungan ni Maria. It was opened to seniors May 2002 and Father Darry is grateful for the volunteers and donors who consistently send out donations  and give their support so that they could accommodate more elderly.

It is not a Filipino culture to leave the oldies to such places. But due to some reasons, elderly are brought to this haven. Most are those elderly whose families are very poor and cannot afford to take care of them in terms of their long term medical needs. Some are simply abandoned by their children or do not have relatives anymore. Some were referred by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Two of our colleagues, Tine and Jayson decided to celebrate their birthday at Kanlungan ni Maria. We started of at 1:30 PM with an opening prayer then guided them with some light exercise and stretching, after which we had a few minutes of getting-to-know-each-other with our elderly partner,

I was worried at fist to start the conversation with Nanay Lina. It may sound silly, but sometimes trying to have a conversation with an elderly person is a little intimidating! What I did was introduced myself and gave lola a few seconds to say something or ask me some questions. Then I asked about her family, where they're from and as I get to know more about her, I use that to my advantage in keeping the conversation going! If all else fails, compliment them with what they have, just like what every volunteers did with their partners.

Then all birthday celebrants including Nanay Bing and Tatay Ruben were called in front to blow their Birthday Cake. Merienda was served afterwhile. We had sopas, waffle and orange juice to share with.

Nanay Vangie, Nanay Elena, Nanay Dodi and Nanay Annie

After the meal, we sang a couple of songs and had face painting activity. This time, It was their turn to paint our faces. So you'll see who's the most creative and artistic Lola in Kanlungan! For me? Honestly, all of them!
 

Nanay Dina painting Dharzie's face / Wewen (me) with Nanay Lina posing for the camera!

Counseling with the seniors was done. We talked about salvation and deliverance and how Christ became our personal savior. Aside from food/snacks, Our Lolo's and lola's were given the salvation bracelet with 6 different colored beads in which every color of the beads has a meaning and represents the salvation story.

Nanay Lina and Nanay Elena showing of their colorful bracelets

The program ended with a very heart-warming moments. I just hope that their children have some gratitude! Our parents took care of us when we were young. We could at least pay them a visit. Don't just abandon and neglect them just because they are a burden. If not because of them, we wouldn't be here.

I've learned that by befriending an older person living in an aged care home, you have a chance to make a difference to their life – and to your own. 

Indeed, this one is a very promising and unforgettable first time experience with the oldies who live in the home for the aged.

Nanay Pina, The most cheerful Lola of Kanlungan ni Maria

 

Snacks and Food Donation courtesy of the birthday celebrants and Volunteers

 

Father Darry with the volunteers

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Kanlungan ni Maria  

Address: 17 Lanzones Road, Nayong Silangan, Antipolo City.
Tel. Number: 650-8102 

Mobile Number: 0915-6002631

Email: kanlungannimaria@yahoo.com