“All my rescue missions are difficult, mentally and emotionally. But I do it because someone has to. I have rescued an elderly rape victim who was in a severely deteriorated state, lying at a station with her body infested with worms. I've also rescued aged individuals from red light areas who were found in extremely poor conditions, completely neglected. I nursed them back to health and gave them a dignified life until their final moments.”- Yojana, founder of Smit Old Age Home & Care Foundation

Yojana grew up in an orphanage connected to Mother Teresa's mission. Yojana, frail and often sick from malnutrition, spent much of her time in the clinic. Despite these health challenges, the caregivers looked after her with great care – something she credits for the strength and health she enjoys today.

“It was inspired by the environment and care that I received that I felt a strong desire to do something similar in my life. I wanted to help others, especially the elderly as I had always sensed a strong connection with the grandparents of the children who visited the orphanage I lived in. I had realised that nobody thinks of the older population as much as they are supposed to.” - Yojana

She was force to halt her education after the 12th grade, as she was married off young

In the beginning of her career, Yojana worked in an elderly care unit for 4-5 years and also ran a day care unit for children with special needs. However, her in-laws and husband disapproved of her work and gave her an ultimatum: either leave the work or leave the house. Without hesitation, she chose social work. And today, her daughters Vrushali and Mayuri stand in solidarity with their mother’s decision, and even help her in running the old age home efficiently.

 “Twenty-eight years ago, I started an elderly care unit in an orphanage, and over time, I adopted more than 3,500 souls who have become my extended family. My work primarily focuses on caring for those who are often neglected by their families and society.” -Yojana

A haven where the elderly can feel right at home

In 2010, the Smit Old Age Home & Care Foundation was formally established. The Thane shelter home now cares for 126 residents, with a waiting list of 5,000 people. She finds these elders at railway stations, temples, under bridges and outside hospitals. The facility provides comprehensive services, including food, accommodation, laundry, medical care, entertainment, and even funeral services. Yojana ensures that residents are treated like family, and over the years, she has personally conducted more than 4,000 death ceremonies for individuals from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds.

“I also conduct training sessions for children from different places on how to care for their elderly parents and help them become independent. Nobody cares about the elderly because they are not taught to respect themselves first. I teach them to become independent in some way at least - for example, we’ve arranged two bedridden patients between four who can walk. This way, they support each other. They’ll offer water, food, or wash each other’s hands – small acts of care that make them feel like they have a responsibility and a sense of belonging.” - Yojana

‘Mental health is given equal importance here’

Yojana regularly brings in neurologists, psychologists, and retired doctors from mental hospitals to conduct sessions for her patients, ensuring they receive support without any cost. Additionally, these professionals help train the children at the shelter in caring for the residents.Yojana herself has learned hypnotherapy and music therapy to better support her patients. Over the years, she has worked extensively with individuals suffering from conditions like schizophrenia, dementia, Parkinson's, and various neurological diseases, having treated more than a thousand cases.

 “I have successfully brought a coma patient back to life. It's one of my most remarkable experiences.  In another case, I found an elderly person who had attempted suicide. I was able to save them and help them reintegrate into society, preventing a heartbreaking tragedy. The elderly have vulnerable, delicate bodies and minds that need utmost care and supervision.” - Yojana

‘I want them to have a home of their own - where they can live out the rest of their days in peace’

Yojana’s immediate goal is to establish a permanent, sustainable home for the elderly individuals she cares for, as the current facilities are rented. But her current financial situation does not even let her cover the costs of rent, electricity bill, groceries, cleaning materials, diapers and other hygiene products that the inmates currently require. She is also not able to pay her staff adequately and hire more staff, because of these financial difficulties. 

“Every month, caring for 126 residents and covering their food, clothing and other requirements cost me up to 12 lakhs a month. I am barely making ends meet, and at the end of the month there is usually nothing left for me to take care of my personal needs. But that is not a priority; I just want these Aais and Babas to live a good life. There are so many people on the waiting list too who want to be a part of our Smit Family. With your support, I can take them in and care for them until the end of their lives.” - Yojana

Yojana also hopes to leave behind a legacy that others can continue after her, empowering more people to take on similar social work.

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