Nakuru: Nakuru County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura and Political Advisor Francis Njoroge today visited the Alms House in Kivumbini Ward, Nakuru East Sub-County, where they were deeply impressed by the exemplary living conditions and high standard of care provided to the elderly residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, the officials observed the facility’s modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art laundry area, a well-equipped spacious kitchen, comfortable and well-maintained rooms, and a dedicated caretaker’s house. Dr. Mwaura and Njoroge expressed their satisfaction, emphasizing that the Alms House offers a dignified and comfortable life for its residents, reflecting a commitment to their well-being.
They said the visit to the Alms House underscored ‘the critical importance of providing adequate care and housing for the elderly population in our rapidly changing world’. They noted that as societies grapple with increasing life expectancies and shifting family structures, the need for well-equipped and compassionate elderly care facilities has become more pressing than ever.
Dr. Mwaura highlighted that many elderly individuals faced social isolation, which could lead to severe mental and physical health issues. Elderly homes, he noted, provided a supportive community, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. He observed that as people aged, they may require specialized medical attention and assistance with daily tasks, noting that elderly homes offered access to trained professionals, ensuring that residents received the necessary care.
Additionally, he mentioned that elderly individuals were often vulnerable to accidents and health emergencies, thus the need for well-managed facilities that provide a safe and secure environment, with 24-hour monitoring and assistance. He also stated that family members who cared for elderly relatives often experienced significant stress and burnout; hence, elderly homes offer respite and support, allowing families to maintain healthy relationships.
Facilities like the Alms House in Kivumbini Ward demonstrate that elderly care could be delivered with dignity and respect. By providing comfortable living spaces and attentive care, these homes contribute to a better quality of life for their residents. Unfortunately, some of the elderly people in the home are hardly visited by their extended families, not because they don’t care about them, but due to the current strained economic hardships that keep everyone busy trying to earn a living.
Interestingly, the home was originally constructed by the colonialists in 1950 and is now 73 years old. Clearly, the colonialists foresaw a future where such homes would be required, and they allocated a whole three acres of land to the home. At first, it was only used by the elderly who had been abandoned or abused by their families. However, currently, despite taking the elderly to such homes being frowned upon and perceived as un-African, it’s being accepted due to the world changes that have pushed a number of families to scatter all over the country and others abroad, thus making it unrealistic and insecure to leave them alone at the village homes.
The success of the Alms House serves as a model for other communities, highlighting the importance of investing in elderly care infrastructure. As the global population ages, ensuring the well-being and dignity of our senior citizens must remain a top priority.