-Brian Mendonça
When we were bringing
home an elder after a stint in hospital, there were a host of things we had not
bargained for.
To begin with, the
bed which happily accommodated him earlier could no longer do so now. Given his
increased indisposition, a hospital bed was needed on which he could be raised
by means of a lever. The bed also needed to have railings on the sides so he
would not fall off.
As I scoured places
to source such a bed, I learnt that such a bed was called a Fowler bed. There
were full Fowler beds and semi-Fowler beds.
On a tip-off, I began
my search opposite Goa Medical College at the unmistakable landmark off NH 17,
viz. Cafe Coffee Day.
In my quest I stepped
into the inviting place called Thirsty
Bear next door. The name seemed appropriate for a watering hole as it
promised tasty snacks and eats. The decor left me spellbound. The wall was
plastered with colourful drawings of various personalities with an inspiring
quotation by them. There were Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Marilyn
Monroe and several others. Many of the youth icons seemed to personify the
counter culture of the 6o’s in America. When I pleaded with the person at the
counter to go upstairs to see the decor, he asked me sourly to place my order
first. Since most of the items were in 3 digits I said I did not want to place
an order – but could I still go upstairs and have a dekho? He relented.
But this was not
where they had the hospital bed. In fact when I enquired here and at CCD about
one, they almost shrank back in horror as if to say ‘Woe betide you who are in
the company of sufferers!
Fortunately I rang up
the person who gave me the lead and I was given the number of the concerned
person. The place turned out to be along the inner road going to Santacruz,
about a kilometre away from GMC, also known as Kalapur. RUGNASHRAYA was the
name of the facility which advertises itself as ‘Short stay and ambulance
facility for patients and relatives.’ The place offers a hospital bed for a
month free against a refundable deposit of Rs. 5000. After one month the rent for the bed is Rs.
300 per month. The use of the bed is renewable after placing an application for
extension. I found the energy there having an immediate calming influence on
me. It had an ashram-like ambience where everyone was motivated in the service
of others. They also taught yoga and other life skills.
We finally picked up
a new Fowler bed from Laxmi Health Agencies, Panjim (Opposite Damro). We had to
pay separately for the foam mattress, the air mattress and the side rails.
It reminded me of the
story by Tolstoy, ‘How much land does a man need?’ ‘Six feet to be buried in.’
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Published in Gomantak Times, Weekender, St. Inez, Goa on Sunday 23 July 2017
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