Tracing families and relatives
When a new resident arrives they are very often confused, many are mentally ill and cannot tell us about their past. However over time the calm untroubled atmosphere of their new home works it’s magic; they recover and become able to enjoy life again.
Viji talks to residents about their past experiences, and sometimes gleans enough information to be able to find lost family members. Sekar and Robert - occasionally accompanied by other members of staff with local knowledge – go out and do their detective work, sometimes with wonderful results!
Case study 1: Sivan Pillai
Sivan Pillai was married when he was young, and had a daughter. He worked away from home and regularly sent money to his brother to look after his family. He and his brother owned land between them, and the future looked bright. However when Sivan returned to see his family he found his brother had sold the land, had taken all the money and left him with nothing. Sivan Pillai became mentally ill and wandered away from home. For years he lived on the streets and eventually, after a road accident left him with a broken leg, he ended up in Government Hospital in Coimbatore, where the Jacob’s team met him. After a couple of years he was able to tell the staff about his family, and the detective work started! His family were finally contacted many miles away, and came to visit him. Sivan’s daughter, by now married herself, was thrilled to find her father.
Case study 2: Supathal
Supathal was admitted to the Care Centre after being found unconscious in the road. She recovered physically within a few months but it was several more months before she started to communicate properly. Finally she told Viji the name of the village where she had lived, and the names of her family. Maruthamuthu, the Jacob’s Yoga Master, knew of the village although it was a long way from Jacob’s, and he went to make enquiries. The family were finally located and visited Jacob’s the very next day.
They were so happy to have found Supathal and told how a few years before she had become mentally ill and wandered away from home. The first time they had searched and found her, but the second time she went they didn’t find her and eventually assumed she had died. Unfortunately Supathal’s husband had died shortly before we located them but the family brought her a dark sari and were able to take her to perform all the funeral rites that the occasion demanded. Supathal has lived with her family since then. Viji contacts her regularly and she remains happy to be home with them.
Sivan Pillai with his family
Supathal with her family
Reuniting families
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