Molligoda Elderly Committee
A wonderful day was enjoyed by the Wadduwa Elderly Committee who joined us to spend time with each other. True to Sri Lankan community they spend the day together singing, dancing and sharing stories. They were able to do something they rarely get to do and were also given a gift to take home which included personal hygiene and household essentials. We are all so grateful for your donations which made this happen. They have expressed immense gratitude for this day.
“We are so grateful to spend time with each other and to have a space to sing and get together. It means so much to us.”
Many of the elderly community do not have access to community facilities and often face loneliness and associated health related problems. Many in the community lack support for basic living needs and struggle to live independently and with dignity. With the changing demands on adult children and lack of provision of eldercare in the country, it has left a gap in rural communities. Longstanding social structures and traditions have ensured that families and communities take on the responsibility of caring for older family members, and they often reside with their children or nearby, in both urban and rural areas.
As Sri Lanka grapples with the changing demands on the population it seeks solutions to tackle the growing needs of its elderly population. The model of community-based care to support elders which relies on the strength of volunteers is how the Wadduwa Elderly Committee has been set up. It strengthens the existing structures within the local community, allowing for the support of specific needs of elders, minimising the costs of services and improving accessibility to healthcare systems. Most importantly, this community-based approach allows many elders to continue to be independent whilst also receiving companionship and assistance to manage their daily activities. They are also keen to create facilities such as daycare centers for the elderly to provide opportunities for socialisation, exercise, participation in recreational activities and engagement with their peers. We are keen to support this long term project which will contribute to their overall well-being and prevent rapid declines in functional ability.
