REPORT ON OLDAGE HOME VISIT

An old age home visit was organized by the Health and Social Welfare Committee (HSWC) and the Health Education Committee (HEC) of Manipal College of Nursing on 12 July 2026, from 10 AM   to 1 PM, at Hosabelaku Seva Trust, Manikumeri, Kowdoor Village, Bailur, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, along with faculty advisor Mr. Raghavendra Nayak.

At the outset, the nursing students introduced themselves to the elderly residents and explained the purpose of the visit: to promote health, well-being, and social interaction among older adults. The founder of Hosabelaku Seva Trust addressed the students, providing an overview of the organization. She shared that the trust was established in 2014, inspired by her mother's initiative to provide shelter, care, and support for abandoned elderly individuals. She informed that the institution houses 220 inmates, including a few bedridden residents who require continuous care.

The program commenced with health assessment activities, during which the students measured blood pressure and conducted blood glucose monitoring for the residents. The findings were documented for 20 inmates with exceeding blood glucose levels, and 11 inmates with elevated blood pressure, and appropriate guidance was provided based on the assessment results. To enhance emotional well-being and promote social engagement, recreational activities were organized, including group dance and singing, which encouraged participation and provided cognitive stimulation. This was followed by a demonstration of Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, performed actively by the students along with the elderly residents, accompanied by music. These exercises are aimed at improving joint mobility, flexibility, and overall physical health. The students also conducted health education sessions focusing on: Prevention of falls among the elderly, hypertension, and diabetes management through lifestyle modification. The founder of the organization inspired the students to actively participate in social service activities, emphasizing the importance of helping society and reaching out to vulnerable groups. The elderly residents participated eagerly and shared their happiness and gratitude for the visit. The program ended with meaningful exchanges and words of encouragement.

Overall, the visit provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity for the nursing students and had a positive impact on the physical, mental, and social well-being of the elderly residents. It also reinforced the significance of community service and social responsibility among the future. Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3- Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4-Quality Education.