Siddhi Shaligram Briddhashram (SSB)
(Home for Senior Citizens)

What is SSB?
Siddhi Shaligram Briddhashram (SSB) is an exciting new facility for elderly people now open in Bhaktapur. Mr. Karl Rebele, the President of Nepalhilfe Beilngries, has generously donated the substantial amount needed for the building, which combines traditional architectural features and modern facilities. The mission of SSB is to help elderly people to live peaceful, fulfilling, and happy lives.

Why was SSB established?
The elderly people are very important members of our society. The change in the socio-cultural behaviour of people has led to a need for a Briddhashram to take care of their parents in their old age. There was a profound lack of a facility especially dedicated for the use of the old age people. SSB aims to bridge this gap by offering both residential and daycare facilities for the elderly people of Bhaktapur.

What does SSB offer?
SSB is a home away from home. A life with dignity, a feeling of being cared for and the sense of being needed are the underlying principles of SSB. This Briddhashram provides care and services pertaining to the medical, social and religious needs of elderly people. This includes provision of basic medical attention by trained healthcare staff, daytime activities promoting socialization, enough time and space for communal puja (prayer and offerings), bhajan (singing), satsang (religious discourses) and yoga. Participants will also get the opportunity to develop skills while enjoying activities such as gardening and handicraft making.

SSB will offer its services to those who reside with their families but who are seeking time in fellowship with others during the day, when their families are out of their house. SSB also offers elderly residential care for pre-defined periods of time, e.g. medical care to recover from an illness or operation, with nursing and physiotherapy assistance. Those who need to stay overnight for a certain period of time will be offered more detailed assessments as to their health and daily needs.

SSB’s resident elders will be provided with a nutritious diet, essentially vegetarian, prepared under health norms and served with love and care. SSB will offer basic facilities which provide clean surroundings, a reading room/library, lounges and recreation areas.

Values of SSB
SSB aims to offer support and services to all elderly persons, irrespective of status, wealth, caste, religion, relationship, gender or ethnicity. Elderly people of Bhaktapur will be given preference. Briddhasram will be offered to all people aged 65 and above who have no one to care for them, or who may feel neglected by their families, lonely and in need of companionship. With our support and counseling, we will strive to reunite families.

SSB’s appeal
The running of SSB will cost USD $3,000 per month. SSB is being run as a charity, supported by donations, cash and kinds. Also, a nominal amount will be charged for food and services, however these will be offered free of charge to those who cannot afford them. Please come and visit us to find out more about our services. All suggestions, advice, support and assistance will be gratefully accepted. There are many ways in which you can help.

How to reach us
If you want to support and contribute in our work of SSB, then we suggest that you become a Friend of SSB. As a Friend of SSB we welcome you to join the SSB family that exists to help the neglected elderly people, and to offer them a life of dignity and hope. You can make your cash or cheque payable to “Friends of SSB” Saving a/c 010020J at the Himalayan Bank Limited Bhaktapur. Please see the Help section of our website, and do not hesitate to contact us for further information.