Senin 12 Aug 2013 00:11 WIB

No Eid for elders in Tresna Werdha

Rep: Riana Dwi Resky/Mutia Ramadhani/ Red: Yeyen Rostiyani
Some elders watch television in a living room of a care home. (illustration)
Foto: Antara/Dedhez anggara
Some elders watch television in a living room of a care home. (illustration)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, There was no Eid in for elders in Tresna Werdha, a care home for senior citizens located in Ciracas, East Jakarta. The beige building seemed lacking of warm atmosphere of Eid with family. That parlor looked deserted and silent. There were only two officers on duty in front room and watched TV.

About 140 elders live in five houses, namely Orchids House, Bird of Paradise House, Garuda House, Rose House and Jasmine House. Bird of Paradise House is inhabited by men, while the others are occupied by women.

There were no sign of Eid in hall of five houses or their rooms. Smell of urine combined with floor cleaner scent was sharp. An officer of Tresna Werdha, Ramdani said all elders were taken to nearest mosque when Eid prayer. After that, they went back to the care home and lived as usual.

"Most of them were homeless. Some of them have family but cannot afford their living cost," Ramdani said.

There was nothing special Eid there. On certain days, they practise skills to make mats, paper flowers, according to schedule. They also develop activities of playing angklung (Javanese traditional musical instrument) and gardening.

Elders who use cane and wheelchair seem to enjoy cool air under the trees. They pass time by chatting with each other and sit together. Shaking hand was the only sign of Eid al Fitr there. 

 

 

 

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