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“An old lady who hadn't eaten anything for more than a week or so walked for over 40 kms before she finally reached our old age home. When we fed her warm food her face was beaming with gratitude and relief. On asking her for more details about her background, we got to know that her son wasn't giving her food or proper clothing, and had eventually abandoned her. He had also forcefully seized her Aadhaar card, and she didn't know where to go anymore. She thanked the Gods for finding us that day.” - Dr. Sanjivkumar Kashinath Bhate, co-founder, Maya Care Centre, an home for the neglected elderly
60-year-old, Dr. Sanjiv and his wife Vaishnavi Bhate found Maya Care Centre with the sole aim of feeding and caring for elderly & poor citizens who have no one else to care for them.
Dr. Sanjeev and His Wife Vaishnavi have taken the role of Aai and Baba for the rescued residents of the old age home
What started from a one-room establishment has now blossomed into a building which houses a total of 40 beds to cater to the needs of 60 residents who Dr. Sanjiv & his wife consider like their own children. The residents whether it is a 70-year-old Kaka or a 88-year-old Aaji all call them Baba and Aai.
An 80-year old woman was dropped at our home by her relatives, she would urinate on the same bed where she slept. When we first met her she thought that we as doctor were going to poison and kill her. She would hurl abuses and run away at the mere sight of us. Gradually, we calmed her down. With time, she began to recover. She shared how her sister had thrown her out to take control of their property. Living with us, we cared for her like a child, feeding her by hand and changing her diapers. After a certain age, all the elderly seek is a warm smile and a little help.- Dr. Sanjeev
When the Dr. Sanjeev change dirty diapers of these elderlies, people often question, don't you feel ashamed & disgusted to which he replies with a smile why should I, " They are my children, I have to care for them"
Located in Ambodi village of Saswad in Pune district, the centre was started with the objective of providing shelter to abandoned and distressed women. Now, they take care of elderly orphans, poor, needy, blind, disabled, and destitutes regardless of gender - and they are given free admission and care in a safe, pleasant and clean environment.
However, high demand for more beds and facilities, along with no means to buy groceries and medicines other than the couple's savings is slowly threatening it's existence every day.
Creating a nurturing and supportive environment
Dr. Sanjeev & his wife through Maya Care Centre today, ensures the comfort and well-being of its residents. Every day they are provided with timely breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and fresh fruits, catering to their dietary needs. The centre ensures each resident has a clean and separate bed for their personal space and comfort." To add a touch of warmth and joy, residents' birthdays and major festivals are celebrated together. And to create lasting memories, an annual picnic is organised for everyone to enjoy and bond with each other " - Dr. Sanjivkumar
At 60, Dr. Sanjeev & his wife are the primary caretakers of these elderlies as they are facing a challenge to hire people to come work with them
Our old age home is in a remote location, and we have difficulty hiring people because we can't afford high salaries. But we do have a few helpers, including a single mother raising her child. At Maya, we don't discriminate based on personal situations. Let's come together as a society and support each other when needed. Her son brings joy to everyone at the Ashram. " - Dr. Sanjeev
‘We want to change the fate of the elderly…’
"As people grow old, they need more care and love because they become more vulnerable both mentally and physically. In the past, children used to take care of their parents in old age. However, nowadays, many children move abroad for opportunities, or leaving their elderly parents alone and feeling even more vulnerable and lonely." - Dr. Vaishnavi Bhate, wife of Dr. Sanjiv Bhate, along with whom she founded the old age home.
Ask him on why he wants to create a change in society and their attitudes towards the elderly population, and Dr. Sanjeev narrates his own story.
" When I was younger and worked in the hospital, I repeatedly kept spending all of my income for the betterment of the sick and poor citizens by buying medicines and food for them. The staff that worked with me would say that I had gone mad. But my life's mission is even if I die tomorrow, I want to build a place for these elderly where they can live happily like their own home " - Dr. Sanjeev
They need your support to continue caring for them, they are currently facing a major challenge
Today, numerous old age homes in India face the risk of closure due to insufficient funds, while the number of elderly individuals is expected to rise rapidly in the future.
“In the last 13 years, due to lack of sufficient funds, our old age home is slowly breaking down. There are holes in the roof, which leaks water during rains. We find ourselves compelled to take out loans even for basic necessities like medicines and groceries. But we don’t have enough money to pay it back or repair our home. ” - Dr.Sanjivkumar
Today, this Doctor Couple is looking to build a permanent home for all their members and any new additions to the family
As the number of elderly and disabled individuals grows each day, Maya Care Centre recognises the significant responsibility to provide excellent facilities and care at the old age home. Currently, they require 2 to 3 acres of land to build a forever home for the current elderlies and the upcoming additions.
At Maya, there are 60 elderly and poor citizens who need medication and adult diapers. The Doctor couple also needs help to repay their loans and buy groceries. But it's hard to raise funds for the growing expenses and more elderly. Please support them in caring for these neglected elderlies.
Click here to contribute and help Doctor Couple
Charity No : 319201431163
