NISAHAYA SEWA SADAN AS A SECOND HOME : Psychosocial Experiences of Senior Citizens Living in an Elderly Care Home

Giri Parimal, Nishaya Sewa Sadan as a Second home: Psychological Experiences of Senior Citizens Living in an Elderly Care. Diak South, Helsinki ,Finland. Spring 2015.55 Pages, two Appendixes- Language English. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. Degree programme in Social Services and Community Development. Degree: Bachelor in Social Sciences. The study discusses about the status and experiences of elderly living in Institutional settings, Nisahaya Sewa Sadan located in Kathmandu, Nepal. Existing welfare scheme for elderly in Nepal, demographic status, social, cultural setting and psychological impact are the components of the study. Qualitative research methodology was carried out; semi-structure interview was performed for data collection. Five senior citizens above 65 years were the key informants. Thematic data analysis was used for interpretation of the data, as the method is appropriate for relating and associating human experience. The conclusion of the study specify on the status of the senior citizens are relatively poor. However, they have been provided small incentives from the state and basic needs and health assistance from the institution. From psychological point of view, majority of the elderly are facing problems like-loneliness, detached from their family, dropping self-esteem and unable to cooperate to the changing world. On the other hand, they also hold the positive aspects such as freedom of choice, no rules and restriction by their adult children. Similarly, sharing past experience among themselves had made them feel better. Majority of the elderly had common stories, which made them feel as one. Therefore, they called that place as second home. Keywords: Senior citizen, Aging , Elderly Homes, Mental Healt