The nursing home in the southern municipality of Jobabo looks different. Its elderly residents may be the same, but the building has been renovated and is now worth seeing.

Not long ago, this place underwent a major renovation. According to Yordan Rivero Rovaina, the municipal director of health in the town, the entire water and sanitation system was revitalized, new toilets were installed, fans were purchased for all the rooms that needed them, and 100 percent of the beds were replaced. In addition, chairs were purchased for the 34 residents.

“The offices and the false ceiling were refurbished, and the entire nursing home was painted inside and out. A new washing machine was purchased, which was one of our concerns. The kitchen was tiled and improved, meaning that almost the entire facility was renovated.”

An investment of about three million pesos accompanied each change made, in addition to donations from residents who feel a strong commitment to the well-being of their elders.

The salary improvements in the health sector in Cuba have also allowed for greater retention of medical and nursing staff at the institution. “We now have a medical assistant, in addition to the director of the home, who is performing her duties as a doctor,” explains the health director in the territory, who adds that the biggest problem right now is filling the positions of cleaning staff and nursing assistants.

Liedsi Escalona Segura is the attending physician at this home. She is responsible for 14 elderly residents with hypertension and three with diabetes. It may seem like a relatively simple environment, but when it comes to older adults, extreme care must be taken because a simple fall can result in a hip fracture.

The doctor explains that these fractures can lead to other pathologies, so care must be increased. She also notes that among the common diseases is senile dementia, which is typical of older adults.

It is clear that in this vulnerable sector, the environment in which they live is fundamental. In this case, there are concrete improvements in quality of life, which translate into greater satisfaction.

MORE THAN CARING, LOVING

For Dr. Amalia Hernández Figueredo, all this revitalization is a cause for joy. She says that the workers are grateful because, although the living conditions of the elderly have improved, so have their working conditions.

Amalia feels that working with these people requires patience, as many are no longer mentally capable. "So we have to try to reach them, talk to them, cope with them, tell them several times, until we achieve an understanding.

The administration of an institution of this type involves an admirable commitment, especially in these times, when shortages are the order of the day, and these health facilities must themselves seek a percentage of their daily food supply.

David Betancourt Vera, the person in charge of administering the food for these elderly people, emphasizes the support he has received from local authorities, especially from the Health Department.

"We also receive donations. There are conscientious people in the municipality who donate the necessary food, which is the most important thing. We have the support of cooperatives and self-employed workers, who always help us with oil, animals, and so on.

With food on the table, we then ask David what internal system has been developed to preserve the constructive work that has been done. "We have a daily work system, a check-up system, with the guards on duty responsible for inspections. I am informed of what happened the night before, and so far, we have had no problems.

“We also have the arduous task of raising awareness. When one of the elderly residents urinates, the sheets must be changed immediately so that the bed or seat they are in does not deteriorate.”

Working with older adults involves an infinite amount of love. They are people with stories to tell, customs, habits, and often strong personalities. The fact that Jobabo now has a place where they can grow old in optimal conditions speaks to the overflowing love that surrounds them.