Visiting elderly care homes holds great significance for students and offers numerous valuable benefits, including:

1. Promoting Humanitarian Values: These visits help students develop values such as respect, empathy, and appreciation for the elderly.
2. Learning from Life Experiences: Students can benefit from the stories and experiences of the residents, which broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of life.
3. Strengthening Social Bonds: These visits enhance intergenerational connections, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.
4. Enhancing Social Skills: Students learn how to communicate effectively with older adults, thereby improving their interpersonal and social skills.
5. Encouraging Volunteerism: Such visits inspire students to participate in volunteer and charitable activities, promoting a spirit of generosity and civic responsibility.

The Student Union of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Horus University organized a special visit to the elderly care home in Ras El-Bar, Damietta. The visit was arranged by the Social Committee and the Families Committee, under the patronage of:

• Prof. Magda Nasr – Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Vice President of the University
• Prof. Sahar Gadara – Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development
• Prof. Magda Abdelaziz – Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs

Supervised by:

• Dr. Aya Roshdy – Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Dr. Amira Samir – Assistant Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutics

The visit was filled with warmth and kindness. The students organized a variety of recreational and social activities for the residents, including group games, reading sessions, and friendly conversations, where they exchanged stories and shared laughter with the elderly.

The elderly care home in Ras El-Bar accommodates 31 senior residents from different governorates across Egypt. The home is distinguished by its excellent location and the comfort it provides. The residents expressed their satisfaction with the services offered and their sense of psychological and social well-being. The facility includes a green garden and fosters a family-like atmosphere, where residents enjoy companionship and support from one another.

This visit was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the connection between students and the local community, and to show care and appreciation for the elderly.