The PRCS Provides a Safe and Dignified Life for the Elderly

 The Home for the Elderly operated by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) represents a unique model for humanitarian care and dignity for elders in Nablus city, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank. The facility strives to offer its residents a safe and comfortable life, alongside ongoing rehabilitation and development programs.
 

Established in 1952, the Home for the Elderly was originally located in the western part of the city. Recently, a new facility was inaugurated, designed to provide comprehensive services for its 20 residents, elderly men and women, within a setting characterized by comfort and attentive care.
 

The home is staffed by a team of 17 employees including caregivers, nurses, and social counselors, who work around the clock to ensure the residents receive the healthcare, psychological support, and social services they need, while preserving their dignity.
 

Services provided include a range of social and recreational activities, in addition to awareness-raising and religious programs that aim to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
 

The facility also organizes workshops addressing health-related issues, in addition to a variety of engaging activities such as gardening, planting trees, and mural painting to create a lively and stimulating environment.
 

In terms of healthcare, residents receive regular services from nurses and doctors, including weekly checkups. In case of emergencies, PRCS ambulances transport them to hospitals. Moreover, the marketing and communication team monitors their conditions to ensure their continued health and safety.
 

The head of the Home, Mai Khalili, stated that the recent changes to the facility have brought a significant improvement in the lives of the residents. Now, every two elderly residents share a room, which has increased the privacy for the residents.
 

She explained that the facility provides group and individual counseling services focusing on personal hygiene, social interaction, and religious matters. Weekly religious lessons are organized for female residents, delivered by visiting female preachers.

The Mental Health Department, in collaboration with the social workers at the home, also implements the "Storytelling" program. The program aims to revive positive memories among the elderly and improve their mental well-being through various intervention tools, such as interactive storytelling sessions at both individual and group levels, and the use of art techniques as a tool for expression and psychological support. Connecting the elderly to the outside world also reinforces the home's objectives.
 

Moreover, PRCS places great emphasis on integrating the elderly into the broader community. It organizes internal and external outings, although these have been limited recently due to current circumstances. These outings are arranged in coordination with local institutions and families.
 

Social counselor, Majida Al-Shashtary, emphasized that enhancing social relationships is considered a top priority. She works on reconnecting residents with their families and friends using social media tools, in addition to organizing recreational activities and reinforcing their bonds with the community.
 

In addition, the physiotherapy department at PRCS addresses the needs of the residents, through physical fitness programs and psychological support. These programs aim to improve their physical and emotional well-being and empower them to live with dignity and joy.
 

With its compassionate approach, the Home for the elderly in Nablus stands as a vibrant center that upholds human value and rights. It emphasizes that caring for the elderly is not limited to providing basic services, but it is about fostering self-respect and community integration, ensuring a life filled with hope and dignity for those who are the foundation and memory of our society.