“God Lives Here” says the message at the entrance of Karunai Illam, a home for female dying and the destitute. It’s a very sad issue to understand that most of these women who are in the fag end of their life become unwanted & disowned.

The biggest problem in the world is not AIDS, but the feeling of being rejected and left out. Most of them have earlier had a normal life and have performed the role of a dutiful daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Later due to various developments in the family, they have become dependents and hence at this stage they were thrown out of the family & society.

Some of these people belong to different parts of India. Smt. Sarva Shakthi – 85 years was sent away from her son’s house in a train and she landed in Chennai. Rejection from families is some times due to ailments like AIDS, Cancer, TB etc. There are also accident victims suffering from unhealed wound for many years. Many of them seem to have emotional problems and some of them are mentally retarded with other physical disabilities.

Karunai Illam, apart from providing basic amenities, gives special emphasis on treatment and care. Many of the patients are in the terminal stage and all that are needed to provide is pain free days. Hence palliative care and emotional reassurance play a significant role in the last stage of their life.

Here patients who are in the verge of dying can decide whether they wish to donate their eyes after death, and what kind of cremation they prefer. These wishes will be duly fulfilled.
Some of the persons after they recover from their ailment turn out to be helpers. They help in cutting vegetables, clearing dishes, washing clothes etc. Some show active interest in caring by feeding and even giving bath to the disabled or paraplegics.

Apart from their routine work emphasis is being given for relaxation and recreation. Sometimes going for an outing or visiting a temple gives them a soothing effect.