Peshawar Opens First Hospice for Abandoned Elders

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa social welfare department, in partnership with a philanthropist, has launched Peshawar's inaugural "shelter home and hospice" for abandoned senior citizens. This facility, named Senior Harmony Haven and Hospice, is situated in a purpose-built four-storey building on government land in Hayatabad. The construction was entirely financed by a philanthropist who wished to remain anonymous, while the social welfare department will manage its ongoing operational and recurring expenses.

The Senior Harmony Haven and Hospice is designed to accommodate up to 100 individuals, offering 45 rooms. It provides a comprehensive care environment, including a multidisciplinary team comprising wardens, physiotherapists, pharmacists, nursing assistants, doctors, and psychologists. This team focuses on addressing the medical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being of the residents.

A significant aspect of the facility is its hospice care services, intended for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice care here prioritizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life, rather than a cure. This makes it the first dedicated residential hospice of its kind in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to fill a critical gap in elder care within the province.