Ul Care Madithat

It is one of the unfortunate facts of modern era that joint families have been replaced by nuclear families in which the elderly population are disregarded and avoided. Ageing brings in many physical as well as mental changes leading irritation among the aged group. Old age is a time people need help to do even simple things. To take care of the elderly community and give them a happy peaceful life is the highest honour we can give them. The Day care centre for the elderly adults is a tribute to the community for the priceless services they have contributed for the well being of new generation.

UL Care - Madithattu – Senior Citizens day care centre is a joint venture of Karakkad Atmavidya Sangham and Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Charitable and Welfare Foundation. The “Madithattu” named by Shri. M Mukundan, the hero of Malayalam literature is located near Madappally School in Nadapuram Road. Madithatt envisages to take care of the senior citizens of the society who are in need of care and love at the late walks of their life. At Madithatt, senior citizens, above the age of 60 are provided with day care facilities.

Apart from Medical Services and Elderly Care, entertainment and productive activities are part of the curriculum. They are also provided with a healthy proper diet as per the instructions of dieticians. The service is provided at free of cost except the acceptance of donations. Currently there are 31 inmates at Madithattu.

The seed of this noble cause was initially sowed by Shri. V. R. Nayanar an unsung hero in the history of Kerala who stood for the rights of the needy during the period of independence. Kerala was struck by famine soon after the infamous World War II which further led to the outbreak of widespread cholera due to less medical and hospital facilities. Subsequently, many children were found orphan which prompted the warm-hearted Nayanar to initiate orphanages and Balika Sadanams all over Kerala. Of the 21 institutions formed then, ‘Nayanar Balika Sadanam’ in Kozhikode, is the only institution that prevails today. After him, the Sadanam was run successfully by his wife Smt. Kayaratt Madhaviyamma till her age of 76. Nayanar was a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation, who desired to visit the Sadanam upon Nayanar’s invitation which couldn’t be fulfilled. In view of this history, Gandhiji’s holy ash has been preserved in the Sadanam for years.

The centre which functions from 10 am to 3 pm on all working days provides health care services, food, entertainment and creative engagements. Physiotherapy, Health Check-ups, Awareness classes, yoga, and food as per the instructions given by a dietitian are attractions of the centre. Entertainment programs like, Reading, Cinema, Music, Small games, activities related to literature, philosophical classes, library facilities are also part of the system.