Aaji Care Sets New Standards for Senior Living in Pune

Padma Shri Dr. Prakash Amte, Dr. Mandakini Amte, Dr. Vitthal Kamat and Achyut Godbole attend the inauguration of Aaji Care’s sixth centre. Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 4: Aaji Care, an elder-care organisation operating across Mumbai, Pune and Goa, officially opened its sixth Assisted Living Centre—and its second location in Pune—in Kalyani Nagar on Sunday, 30 August. This new facility represents a significant step forward in Aaji Care’s mission to provide compassionate, holistic and dignified living environments for India’s ageing population.

Housed in a purpose-built seven-storey structure with a 49-bed capacity, this is Aaji Care’s largest facility to date. It has been engineered to address the diverse physical, medical, cognitive, emotional and social requirements of seniors, offering a spectrum of care that adapts as their needs change. The inauguration was led by Padma Shri Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte, with renowned hotelier Dr. Vitthal Kamat and author and social thinker Mr. Achyut Godbole in attendance. The event drew over 175 guests, including medical professionals, senior citizens, business leaders, social-sector representatives and members of the media.

Tailoring care to the evolving needs of the elderly

Acknowledging that every senior has unique requirements, the seven-storey building is structured to accommodate various stages of care. Four levels are specifically equipped for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, focusing on safety, routine, comfort and emotional stability. Another floor is dedicated to high-dependency care, providing intensive medical and personal support.

Two additional floors are reserved for rehabilitation and assisted living, serving both those who need support and those who are relatively independent but value the security and community of a managed senior living environment. The premises also feature a specialised physiotherapy unit and activity zones aimed at promoting mobility, cognitive health, social interaction and recreation.

The facility was developed in collaboration with ageing-in-place architect Rama Sane, incorporating insights from doctors, geriatric psychologists, physiotherapists and elder-care experts. The goal was to blend professional safety with a warm, residential atmosphere. A multidisciplinary team—comprising caregivers, nurses, doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists—will provide support for residents dealing with dementia, mobility issues, chronic conditions and post-hospitalisation recovery.

Speaking about the vision behind the new centre, Prasad Bhide, Founder of Aaji Care, said that the organisation’s purpose goes beyond simply increasing the number of beds available for senior care. "We don't want to simply add beds; we want to add better days to the lives of our elders and help them age gracefully."

Elaborating on Aaji Care’s philosophy of ‘Ageing Gracefully’, Bhide said that meaningful elder care cannot be defined only by medical support or infrastructure. "Ageing gracefully is not just about providing good medical care and good infrastructure. It is equally about helping elders maintain their independence and dignity, giving them companionship, keeping them meaningfully engaged and, most importantly, surrounding them with a lot of love. An elder may need assistance, but that should never take away their individuality or their right to make choices about their own life." According to Bhide, an assisted living centre should therefore be much more than a place to live or receive medical care. It should create an environment where professional care and safety coexist with independence, dignity, companionship, engagement and emotional wellbeing.

Promoting active and independent ageing

The event served as a platform to discuss the broader themes of ageing, healthcare and the societal responsibility to support the elderly. Speaking at the occasion, Achyut Godbole highlighted the necessity for sensitive, professionally managed assisted living options, given the shifts in modern family structures and lifestyles. He observed that as society becomes more individualistic, there is a growing demand for environments where seniors can find care, security and companionship. He also commended the planning behind the Kalyani Nagar facility and its focus on the varied needs of older adults.

Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte reflected on the legacy of Baba Amte and the ongoing work at Hemalkasa, stressing that actions speak louder than words. They advocated for the importance of staying physically active and maintaining independence in daily tasks post-retirement. They also offered advice to families, suggesting that younger generations should be allowed to make their own choices, with guidance provided only when requested. Dr. Prakash Amte also shared a personal note, recalling the care Aaji Care provided to their colleague, social worker Nirmala Sathe, during her final days at Aaji Care’s existing Pune centre, expressing his gratitude for the support she received.

Brain Gym, Neurobics and the celebration of ‘Ageing Gracefully’

The inauguration programme itself reflected Aaji Care’s holistic view of healthy ageing. Naina Oke, Head of Mental Health at Aaji Care, led an interactive session on Brain Gym and Neurobics, using simple exercises to demonstrate how to keep the mind sharp and engaged.

The programme also featured Kathak performances centred on the theme of ‘Ageing Gracefully’. Through dance and expression, the performances illustrated that ageing is not merely a period of decline, but a meaningful phase of life that can be lived with joy, dignity and purpose. These activities underscored Aaji Care’s commitment to addressing not just the physical and medical needs of seniors, but also their cognitive, emotional and social well-being.

Adapting to the changing landscape of elder care

Established in August 2012, Aaji Care provides services to seniors and their families in Mumbai, Pune and Goa, particularly for those facing challenges with independent living due to medical conditions, dementia or mobility issues. Their offerings include assisted living, dementia and memory care, rehabilitation, palliative care, home-based support and geriatric mental-health services.

The Kalyani Nagar location is the sixth Assisted Living Centre for the organisation and its second in Pune. By integrating specialised care, rehabilitation and active living, the facility is designed to offer a continuum of support that adapts to the changing needs of residents while preserving their independence. Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility, praising its design and comprehensive approach. The centre will begin accepting admissions on 10 September 2026.