Maurice, 62, Haiti
Maurice, 62, wants to get back to his job as a plumber as soon as he is better.
Photo: Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge International
Since a huge earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, HelpAge has been on the ground working through local partners to respond to the needs of older people.
Part of our work includes providing staff salaries, training and equipment to a privately-run, state-owned hospital (CENSHOP). It now has an emergency medical facility for older people with 30 beds.
Coping with trauma
We have also employed psychologists so we can help older people living in nursing homes and those who are sick in hospital.
Through various methods we help them cope with trauma.
And we organise fun, social activities, such as parties for Father's Day and Mother's Day to provide older people with a little respite from being in hospital.
"I want to work again"
Maurice, 62, is a patient at CENSHOP and joined in our Father's Day party. He said:
"I have fluid retention and as a result one of my feet is very swollen. I think I will have to have surgery. I'm a plumber by trade and I want to work again so I can help support my four adult children.
"I don't really want to go back to the Asile Communale Municipal Home, where I was before I came to CENSHOP, because apart from my leg, there are many things I can still do.
"A big car tire hurt my leg two years ago. It heals gradually. I was a plumber and I was just finishing a job when I had this accident. A friend brought me to the Asile Communal nursing home. And from there HelpAge led me to CENSHOP to receive better care. I feel a lot better now.
"I came here to take care of my family"
"I have three sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. They come to see me during the holidays. Two of my three sons are married and they live with their wives.
"I am from Les Cayes, a town in the south. I came to the capital for better working conditions, to take care of my family. I am a conscientious father, who has his sense of duty. After my recovery, I hope to return to my career as a plumber.
"My advice to younger fathers is "as much as you can, pay for your children's school fees". You can give them material things but these things won't last. Only an education lasts."
My advice to younger fathers is "as much as you can, pay for your children's school fees". You can give them material things but these things won't last. Only an education lasts.