ALKHOBAR, 5 February 2004 — In every Muslim society the young normally take part in many activities during Eid. But what of older Muslims? For the very old, every Eid is a precious gift but sadly, some of them have no one to share in their happiness.
On the third day of Eid the Community Outreach Program of Saudi Aramco Public Relations went on the road to visit the Dammam branch of Dar Al-Raayah. This home for the elderly is run under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Sana Khalil Younis Abdul Rahman, PR representative for Saudi Aramco, coordinated a special event, enabling the aged men and women at the facility to enjoy the Eid by having a party with all the trimmings delivered to their doorstep.
The home is divided into sections for men and women so separate parties were arranged. Folklore groups provided entertainment. Modern technology allowed the sounds of voices and drums to be amplified so that even those with hearing problems could enjoy the rhythm. Though many of the residents are confined to wheelchairs, their white heads bobbed up and down to the beat of drums and those who could, clapped along with the songs. The performers cooperated by singing tunes that were traditional and were also familiar to the audience.
The residents of the home were joined at the parties by their caregivers, social workers and volunteers from Saudi Aramco so there was a crowd in attendance. Light refreshments including cakes and hot drinks were served to all. The Community Outreach Program brought stereo players loaded with audio tapes of the Holy Qur’an as gifts for each of the 28 men and 21 women living in the home. Saudi Aramco also furnished special prayer time clocks for the social workers who spend their lives caring for the people in the home.
“These social workers come in shifts around the clock to ensure that there is constant supervision of the elderly and the aides who care for them,” said Abdul Rahman. “They treat these men and women like their own parents and are genuinely concerned for their welfare. The Community Outreach Program wanted to recognize their exemplary service. It takes special people to dedicate themselves to the care of the elderly.”
The residents of the home appeared to be happy and well looked-after. They suffer from varying degrees of disability. Some can still shuffle about and talk a bit, but many are blind or deaf. Most suffer from dementia. They all need tender, loving care to make their time comfortable and pleasant. The majority of those in the home have an extremely limited number of visitors, even distant relatives. Some have no visitors at all. One of the social workers explained that they encourage groups to come and visit the home so the residents meet new people and the monotony of their days is relieved. Those who are able to move about are taken weekly to a chalet on the Arabian Gulf which was donated for this purpose. However, most of the men and women are bedridden so unless they receive visitors at the home, television is one of their only amusements. Now, thanks to Saudi Aramco, they all have stereos for entertainment.
“We do our best for the people here,” said Theresa, a nurse from Manila. “But their days are long and sometimes we all need a little excitement. It was good of Saudi Aramco to come and remember us today. We need more groups to think of these people so they are have a little extra happiness all year round.”
