With a population of more than 3 million, Bali has only two homes for the elderly, one in Denpasar in South Bali (Wana Seraya) and the other in Singaraja in North Bali (Jara Mati Patih). Traditionally, communal Balinese culture embraces the elderly who are cared for either by their family or their village. However, the disenfranchised and those ostracized by their family or village have no social support and no other place to go. They are, in other words, the poorest of the poor.
The police deliver most of the new residents to Denpasar’s elder home. They find them wandering in the streets, scavenging in the rash, sleeping rough or begging. These homeless and cast off elderly are given simple but clean clothing, a roof over their head and bowl of rice three times a day. That’s a great step up from the street, but a far cry from the decency and dignity they deserve.
Nils Wetterlind of Tropical Homes became very concerned about the plight of the homeless elderly in Bali. When he first visited the Panti Jompo Wana Seraya in Ketewel, he knew he had to do something.
The first step was to provide proper beds and decent bedding for about 50 people at the home. Next, they tackled the crumbling buildings to create a safer and healthier environment. Simple things like hand railings have made all the difference for the fragile, elderly residents.
The food given to the residents was little more than rice. So Tropical Homes began weekly delivery of 200 kilos of meat, fish and vegetables to supplement their diet.
They then started looking at the buildings. In the sick ward, the squalor was the worst. Roofs were leaking, walls falling down, no plumbing—not very pleasant. So they undertook to rebuild the entire place.
Tropical Homes decided this was by now too big for them and approached Rotary, who with typical efficiency took charge, made budgets and organized further funds. The sick ward has been totally rebuilt from top to bottom. Four new buildings have been constructed to proper standard, all under the auspices of Tropical Homes. Those who are too frail to care for themselves now have a properly equipped nursing home with disabled friendly facilities and a lot more comfort.
In October 2005, YKIP took over the administering of Tropical Homes’ donations, which include:
- A half-time Field Officer, Mr. Hartanto from 2005-2008, followed by Dayu Gayatri in 2008-2009 and in 2009 Deasy Purnama Putri. They monitor the elders, do the payments and purchasing and make sure everyone is comfortable.
- Daily purchasing of fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruit for the elders’ lunch (including the staff) (this healthy lunch program stopped in 2008 as the government began giving a larger stipend for food).
- Purchasing of necessary medications
- Payment of salaries for on-call nurses and full-time caregivers
- Payment for a gamelan music or pesantrian (sacred singing) teacher . They meet twice a week for classes.
On November 16, 2005 the sick ward had its pelaspasan or blessing ceremony. A local priest presided over the offerings and the female residents walked through the new buildings, sprinkling holy water throughout to cleanse their new clinic. Then the ribbon was cut by Nils witnessed by the head of the home, I Nyoman Wiyoga. The comedy troupe Salju Group performed and brought smiles to all the elders and lunch was served to all the residents and guests.
The fifteen residents of the sick ward have moved in and are enjoying their new quarters, thanks to the folks at Tropical Homes.
There is a second elder home in Singaraja, North Bali which needs to be renovated as well. YKIP and ALF will be assisting Jara Mara Patih beginning in 2010.
