Managers of the Pope John Paul II Good Samaritan Home for the Poor & Aged in Calabar have called on the government of Cross River state to include the facility in its social welfare programmes to help address the challenges faced by elderly residents NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.
The appeal was made on Saturday during a visit by members of the Ekondo Efak Inang Sociocultural Association, who were at the home as part of their annual outreach and charity activities.
Speaking during the visit, the Reverend Sister-in-charge of the facility said the home had continued to face financial difficulties, particularly in providing medication and other essential care for residents.
According to her, many of the elderly persons in the home are under constant medication, making the cost of healthcare and daily upkeep increasingly burdensome.
She noted that although the state governor, Bassey Otu, and his wife had visited the facility on some occasions, and made promises, there was a need for more structured inclusion of the home in government programmes and policies targeted at social welfare.
“We want the government to remember to include us in their programmes and policies. They are aware of our challenges, especially the financial burden involved in caring for residents who require constant medication,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who continue to show concern and support for the facility.
Members of the visiting association also used the occasion to donate items and share time with residents of the home.
Earlier, the outgoing president of the association, Asuquo Etim Okokon, said the visit was part of the group’s commitment to showing compassion and solidarity with vulnerable members of society.
Okokon explained that the outreach was also part of activities marking the association’s anniversary, noting that the group had sustained visits to the home over the years.
“We have come to share love and kindness and to remind you that you are not forgotten. For many years, we have been visiting this home and we will continue to come and support you,” he said.
A resident of the facility, who spoke on behalf of other inmates, thanked the association for the visit and prayed for the continued growth of the organisation.
The resident also urged the association to extend similar gestures to other vulnerable groups, including children’s homes, while appealing that the aged residents should not be forgotten.
The visit featured the presentation of relief items, prayers, and interactions between members of the association and residents of the home.
