Tender, loving care for the frail elderly on the Tibetan Plateau, especially those without family or trained caregivers, has been identified as an increasingly crucial need in today’s rapidly changing society. There are virtually no existing agencies that address the physical care and supportive needs of isolated elders who wish to remain living within their traditional communities.
Since 1995 the Qinghai Geysar Foundation has organized a system of trained local volunteers in Golok State, to provide hands on care for 63 older, nomadic and indigenous community members between the ages of 65 and 88. Many of those we serve had no visible shelters or available families. All have been given newly built rooms on land donated by Thubten Chokor Ling Monastery. In accordance with local tradition and Tibetan culture, activities of daily living, food, and medicines are provided.
Concerned not only with physical care, we place specific emphasis on the mental health needs of the Tibetan elderly using a uniquely cultural approach to health and well being.
The Qinghai Geysar Foundation provides access to traditional activities that make up the core of local life. In addition, we feed over 200 “well” elderly every day and dispense at no fee traditional Tibetan and Allopathic medicines to each individual. Finally, we provide needed provisions such as warm clothing and funds for heating and electricity for lighting. All money comes from individual donations but there is not enough to care for the ever-growing number of people who are in need of immediate assistance. Right now, there are an additional 400 elders waiting for our support so they may safely remain vital, well cared for members of their community.
- The building of a larger housing and care facility for an additional 50 frail elderly and volunteer staff. – Cost: $600 dollars per room.
- A staff of 10 paid full time caregivers for those in need of more supervision and care. Paid caregivers will help with personal care, cooking, feeding, transportation and medication management. The stipend for each paid caregiver is $24.00 per month.
- Ongoing care and medications for those frail elderly we are currently provide housing. The current budget for each frail elder's housing and care is $250 per year.
