From The Streets To Safety, This Doctor Has Given Countless Elderly People A Life Of Dignity

At the vulnerable age of 80, Sushma* found herself thrown out of her home by the very family she had spent a lifetime with. She was abandoned and left at Maya Care Centre. Her physical and mental condition was fragile - she thought everyone around her at the shelter was plotting to kill her. She was terrified, would scream and shout and sometimes even hide when anyone came close to her. At her age, her own family had given up on her, she didn’t expect love from strangers. However, slowly but surely, Sushma got better. All thanks to Dr. Sanjiv Bhate who looked after her like their own. 

“We hand-fed her, cleaned her diapers, made her feel comfortable and slowly built trust with her. This is not an overnight process. The elderly that come here have been through a lot. Some of them have been abandoned by family, some have no family at all, and others have been living on the streets, in railway stations, and bus stands for years…with no food, clothing or proper shelter. At Maya Care Centre we treat them like family and give them the love, time and space to recover.” - Dr. Sanjiv Bhate, Founder

Countless Elderly People Are Looked After Like Children By Him

Sanjiv Bhate learnt compassion at a very young age. His mother would often talk to him about the importance of serving those who have no one else. A sensitive and empathetic child, Sanjiv’s heart went out to the elderly, even at that age. 

“I’m from a small village in Maharashtra where everyone lives in poverty. People didn’t have the means to spend money on even the most basic medications. Even if someone had a bad cough and was struggling, they wouldn’t be able to afford treatment for it. I’ve seen how difficult life can be, so when I became a doctor, I started giving people free treatment and food.”

Sanjiv has spent 13 years helping the poor and elderly, and has watched proudly as the old age home grew from a one-room shelter to a building that now has over 60 residents. Here, they’re given fresh and nutritious meals every day along with the medical treatment that they need. Moreover, the doctor himself sometimes looks after the cleanliness and hygiene of the residents. For him, nothing is greater than serving the elderly. 

“Every time I happen to meet someone, I tell them about our old age home, and how everyone who needs help is welcome here. And that’s how so many people know about us now. There was once a woman who walked 40 km just to come here. Today, this is her permanent home.”

However, he faces numerous challenges on this selfless journey.

As The Old Age Home Starts To Crumble, He Needs Your Support

Maya Care Centre, nestled in the heart of Ambodi village, Pune, Maharashtra, is at a critical juncture. The care and compassion they provide are under threat due to a severe lack of funds. Dr. Sanjiv paints a saddening picture of the last 13 years—of a home slowly crumbling, its roof carrying not just leaks but the weight of unmet needs.

“As people get older, they need more medical attention and care, and we don’t have the means to give our residents that. They also need to be taken to the hospital frequently, but without an ambulance, we can’t do it in a safe manner. Our old age home is facing many challenges, and now we need your help to get even the most basic essentials.” 

Your support will ensure Maya Care Centre gets the groceries, hygiene materials, medicines, ambulance and other medical instruments they need to look after the 60 elderly people in their care. This will not only help save the old age home but also the dignity and comfort of all those people who’ve found peace here. Donate to make a difference. 

About the NGO: Maya Care Centre in Ambodi village, Pune, Maharashtra, founded by the compassionate Dr. Sanjiv Bhate, is not just an old age home; it's a haven of love and care for those society has often forgotten. This journey began with a simple room and a profound belief in serving the elderly who have nowhere else to turn. For 13 years, this dedicated doctor has nurtured a small shelter into a home for over 60 residents, offering not just meals and medical care but genuine familial warmth. His approach is rooted in empathy, treating each resident with the dignity and compassion they deserve.