Helping Hands for Seniors, founded by the World Alliance for Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ), is a project for "those helpless senior members of our community who have no one to look after them or have been abandoned by family and relatives.” Calling for volunteers, the organization noted that the elderly "have reached a stage where they can’t look after themselves physically or take care of their homes and belongings and they land up living in very unhygienic conditions, oftentimes malnourished. With no one to turn to (they) need help to live in dignity in clean homes with someone taking care of their personal needs with regard to physical hygiene.”
1st row: Katie Ghadiali at her home; above: Karyesh Patel, Anahita Desai,
Ghadiali (standing 1st, 2nd and 3rd from l) with volunteers
The project is the brainchild of WAPIZ trustee Karyesh Patel, said WAPIZ chief executive officer and Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Anahita Desai. "He was very keen since a long time to do something for our seniors, especially those who live alone. He announced this project at our annual general meeting in November 2022.” In the past Patel would visit seniors who Anahita and her husband Yazdi were assisting financially. A spinster who had dementia was sent financial help every month. Though she had a full time ayah (maid), her small room was dirty and her hair grew long. She was in diapers and the old ayah could not look after her well. No old age home was willing to take her on account of her dementia. "Karyesh would visit her with me… From that time we always thought of helping seniors who need looking after,” Anahita mentioned.
Beginning April 7, 2023 they initiated a two/three work schedule. While many have volunteered, several "said that they are unable to do so due to health reasons or lack of time, but they have offered to donate for this cause,” she added. Calls from senior citizens seeking assistance are coming in.
The first beneficiary of Helping Hands is 87-year-old Tardeo based Katie Ghadiali who called the WAPIZ office to seek help from Anahita, having read about her social work in the Parsi Press. "We immediately went to her house and she informed us that she has been living alone and many have come and cheated her financially and she needs help in every way possible,” stated Anahita. "We assured her that we will sort out all her issues but first we will start by cleaning up her house… We can hire an agency to clean up the bathroom and toilets, maybe hire a civil contractor to re-plaster her walls and ceiling but we need to begin by simply clearing and cleaning up her living space.” Reportedly, Ghadiali’s home was "filled with newspapers, plastic containers and bags and other scrap materials.”
She "does not need financial help, therefore we have not accepted any donations for her… We have started a tiffin for her and we are organizing to have an Aadhaar card made for her. Electrical and civil work is to be done at her home,” detailed the social worker.
WAPIZ has also assisted with adult diapers and guidance regarding some repairs to a flat.
"If you know of any old Parsi who requires help, please call and let us know We would be happy to help,” stated Anahita. Potential volunteers too may call 9820113791. F. J.