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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. Her face was beaming with gratitude and relief, when we fed her warm food. 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 abode for the neglected elderly
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.
The Maya Care Centre began as a humble one-room establishment and has now blossomed into a building which houses a total of 40 beds to cater to the needs of 60 residents. However, high demand for more beds and facilities, along with rising costs of groceries and medicines threaten its smooth existence.
Creating a nurturing and supportive environment
Maya Care Centre offers a range of excellent facilities to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. A well-organised meal service provides 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.“Access to newspapers and magazines keeps them updated and engaged. For leisure activities, there are options like carrom, chess, and TV, ensuring ample entertainment opportunities. Regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring at a local hospital, prioritise their health. Pathology tests are conducted when necessary to ensure proactive care. Hygiene is maintained with clean and well-maintained toilets and washrooms,” says Dr. Sanjivkumar, adding, “The centre accommodates various dietary preferences, offering both non-vegetarian and vegetarian meals based on individual requirements. 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.”
Within the ashram, a dedicated and fully-equipped vegetarian kitchen stands separate from the rest. Recognising the challenges faced by the elderly in washing their clothes, the ashram provides a washing machine service, ensuring that all their laundry needs are taken care of. Additionally, to keep the residents entertained, a television set is available, and a wide selection of books is provided for their reading pleasure.
‘We want to change the fate of the elderly…’
“Old age marks a dedicated stage in the human life cycle, where the elderly require more affection and care. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, they become more vulnerable during this phase. Traditionally, children have been expected to take care of their parents in their old age. However, with the trend of children leaving their homes to pursue opportunities abroad, many elderly people are left alone, facing greater vulnerability and loneliness.” - Dr. Vaishnavi Bhate, wife of Dr. Sanjiv Bhate, along with whom she founded the old age home.
According to this couple, the recent global pandemic has further exacerbated this issue, presenting challenges for both small and large social organisations in India. Job losses and economic difficulties have compelled some to reluctantly leave their elderly loved ones in old age homes.
'Caring for the elderly is a service to the nation'
In the past, families used to live together, with older and younger generations under one roof, fostering mutual support and respect. However, the modern lifestyle, rapid urbanisation, and business orientation of the younger generation have led to a shift in family dynamics, often leaving the elderly in a secondary position.This change has resulted in a rise in physical and psychological issues among the elderly, creating emotional stress due to conflicts between the generations. Moreover, the growing elderly population poses economic challenges, especially for those who lack family support.
“Caring for the elderly is not only a responsibility towards our older citizens but also a service to the nation. As a society, we should recognise the importance of supporting and cherishing our senior citizens, who have contributed significantly to the country's growth and development. Providing care and compassion to the elderly is a reflection of our values and humanity. This is the main principle behind running Maya Care Centre old age home for the last 13 years.” - Dr. Sanjivkumar Bhate
They need your support to continue caring for them
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
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 expand their caretaking services. Alongside this core mission, they also engage in various social activities, including medical camps for the elderly and disabled, food donations, and providing medical services.
“We earnestly request generous individuals like you to contribute and help enhance the lives of senior citizens and disabled persons. Your support is crucial. It will enable us to improve the quality of life for numerous elderly and disabled individuals. We invite you to join hands with us in this noble initiative and bring hope and positivity to the lives of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, and our disabled brothers and sisters at our old age home.” - Dr. Sanjivkumar Bhate
Together, with your kind assistance, we can create a significant impact and change the lives of many underprivileged individuals, offering them a brighter future. Click here to contribute.
