Nepal is observing a significant growth in the aging population. A person aged 60 years or above is identified as an elderly person in Nepal. Nevertheless, Nepal is still ‘young’ in terms of the aging population with only 8.13% of the senior population. It is projected that 80% of senior citizen in Nepal are living with their sons and roughly 3% with their daughters.
Intrinsic aspects like mental and physical abilities and extrinsic aspects like social support and accessibility to quality health care contribute to the status of the older people. However, the majority of elderly people are living in poverty due to lack of resources. They are suffering the cumulative effects of a lifetime of deprivation, lack of education, poor health and nutrition, low social status, discrimination and restriction of mobility. Traditionally, it was the responsibility of family members to care for the elderly within the extended family home. But as society begins to change, families have become much smaller, women are beginning to work outside the home and many family members move from rural Nepal to seek employment in the city or abroad. Today, countless of elderly people are living in miserable circumstances in old age homes run by Government or charitable organizations. Reacting to the requirements of the vulnerable senior citizens has become a major concern and a challenge in the inclusive organisation of city areas in Nepal.
The major goal of Care for the Elderly Project is to protect and promote the wellbeing of the aging population. The project focus on ensuring the overall (physical, mental, psychological and spiritual) wellness of elderly people residing in old age home in Kathmandu. Elderly people suffer from the departure of their loved ones. In the due process of aging and being helpless they encounter agitation due to health problems, sorrows and doubt concerning the nature of present and next life. We aim to reduce such problems among the people in old age shelters by interacting and supporting them in every possible way.
VIN seeks skilled and passionate volunteers to join care for the elderly project to support elderly people in their old age and make them feel they aren’t alone. Your knowledge will be vital in creating a stronger care system for the future. Volunteers who have no experience but much enthusiasm are also welcome. During your volunteerism you will live together with a local Nepali host family learning and experiencing Nepali culture. On the basis of your experience, the Care for the Elderly volunteer/ intern will perform one or more of the following activities:
- Help in nursing and supporting the sick elderly people
- Perform regular basic health checks and prepare a log
- Provide first aid when and if necessary
- Work as a care taker and counselor
- Assist with food preparation and sanitation
- Conduct frequent light exercise and yoga session
- Conduct awareness session on hygiene and personal care
- Organize recreational events such as dancing sessions, singing and gaming activities
Project Specific Skills
- Counselling skills
- Recreational skills
- Good inter-personal skills
- Background or experience in Geriatrics is an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-13:00 | Assist in food preparation and cleaning activities |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct recreational activities |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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