The work of the Organisation for Aid to Refugees (OPU) in Georgia dates back to 2005, when OPU implemented training activities and started cooperation with several Georgian organisations. After the Russian invasion of South Ossetia, the organisation has been working mainly with refugees from the region. Since 2012, OPU has been working in the city of Khashuri, where a day centre for the elderly was opened with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It functions similarly to the day care centres for the elderly in our country and its mission is the same – to make life more pleasant for the elderly, to offer them basic services, to activate them and to support them in their self-sufficiency.
The day centre is located on the ground floor of the Chamomile House and is open every working day from 10.00 to 17.00, when a social worker and a nurse are available to clients. Seniors spend their free time here, meet their peers, maintain social contacts and do not live in isolation. They take part in activation activities, work in the sewing workshop, make use of social consultations, use the library, pedicure and laundry services. They also use the wheelchair accessible personal hygiene centre and, above all, the rental of compensatory and rehabilitation aids. This is used by people from the wider area and there is a great demand for loans (wheelchairs, toilet chairs, crutches…). The day centre is also a place for intergenerational meetings – children from the local primary school visit the elderly and prepare joint activities and a cultural programme.
The hostel is located on the first floor of the house, has a separate entrance and terrace.
All income from the hostel contributes to the operation of the Day Centre for the Elderly.