Embracing the Spark of Life Model of Care:
Adhata Trust’s Holistic Approach to Elderly Care in Mumbai
By Clara D’Souza, Spark of Life Master Practitioner and Chief Operating Officer of Adhata Trust and founder of Adhata Community Centres in Mumbai, India.
In the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, where the vibrant tapestry of life weaves together generations within shared spaces, Adhata Trust stands as a bastion of compassionate care for the elderly. Adhata Trust is a not-for-profit organization, working with older persons, since 2012. We work to erase isolation, provide supportive care, create accessible, equitable, inclusive, safe and age friendly environments for older people. We aim to delay the onset of mental and functional decline through the active participation and engagement of older persons in daily activities focused on cognitive, social and physical activities.
Adhata envisions an age-inclusive society where elders thrive. We aspire to cultivate an environment that celebrates the wisdom each one brings, fosters independence, and ensures access to comprehensive support networks. By championing initiatives that honour diverse needs and aspirations, we aim to forge a community where every senior’s journey is marked by respect, empowerment, and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives within the home and the larger community.
Central to our philosophy is the principle of aging in place—a notion deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Mumbai. In a city where multi-generational households are still the norm, Adhata Trust recognizes the significance of supporting elderly members to maintain their cherished connections and familiar surroundings for as long as feasible. This is especially critical for those grappling with dementia, where specialized care facilities are scarce and often financially unattainable. Adhata Trust becomes not just a sanctuary but a lifeline for these individuals, offering support and understanding in the comfort of our familial environment as well as community to maintain their self-value and dignity.
Our mission at Adhata, is empowering seniors for a dignified tomorrow, our NGO stands firm on the values of inclusivity and access. Committed to ‘leave no senior behind’, we work to expand vital services and advocate for policies that enhance the lives of seniors and their needs. Through awareness initiatives, we debunk myths surrounding Aging, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and amplify the voices of older person for acceptance. Our mission thrives by implementing innovative programs that cater to ever evolving needs, and fostering a community, where seniors flourish. We tirelessly champion change, ensuring equitable access to resources and services, fostering a society where the wisdom, and contributions of our seniors are revered and embraced
At Adhata we adopt a holistic approach to aging care that embraces the multidimensional needs of seniors, nurturing physical, mental, and psychological health. By integrating medical support, social engagement, mental health services, and lifestyle considerations, we work to foster a comprehensive support system. Embracing a holistic perspective promotes positive aging by enabling seniors to lead fulfilling lives, while addressing diverse needs and enhancing quality of life across all dimensions.
Adhata also promotes an Intergenerational approach to aging care as interaction between these larger groups cultivates a sense of community and understanding across generations, combating ageism and promoting inclusivity. Hosting interns and volunteers in aging care programs not only bridges generational gaps but also creates a vibrant, supportive environment where both seniors and youth thrive through shared knowledge and companionship.
With a network of 15 centres scattered across the cityscape, Adhata touches the lives of 400 members, each with our unique narrative of aging. At the core of our ethos lies the Spark of Life Model of Care, illuminating the path toward holistic and dignified aging for every individual under our wing. As a Master Practitioner, the holistic approach of leading an organisation helps build a compassionate team. We work on the princples of Servant Leadership as guided by our Mentors at Dementia Care International to enrich lives of individuals, build better organisation and ultimately create a more just and caring world as mentioned by Robert Greenleaf.
Adhata Trust’s Holistic Well Being Centers are not mere venues for routine engagement; they serve as sanctuaries where individuals find solace, camaraderie, and empowerment. Within these nurturing environments, the essence of the Spark of Life model reverberates, cultivating an atmosphere that honors the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of its diverse members.
The Holistic approach embraced by Adhata Trust is palpable in every facet of our care. It’s not just about providing physical aid; it’s about nurturing the essence of each individual. The Holistic Well Being Centers are safe, accessible, inclusive, vibrant hubs of engagement, where seniors meet daily, for 2 hours and engage in activities that not only to stimulate the mind but also to touch the heart. From interactive music therapy sessions that evoke forgotten memories to therapeutic art classes igniting the flame of creativity, every initiative is designed to forge connections and kindle joy.
At our Holistic Care Centres, activities – art, craft, music, and social activities are conducted to provide mental stimulation. Members participate in social campaigns, celebrations of festivals and personal triumphs and important events; running marathons, taking a stand on issues close to the heart. New programs are developed constantly to avoid monotony and keep members alert and engaged. Adhata provides support that looks at the whole person and the overall state of mind of each of our members. We take our members, on excursions, picnic, etc. We celebrate festivals, birthdays etc.
Beyond the structured activities, the Trust recognizes the utmost importance of relationships. Through positive communication strategies, staff build bridges with the members, creating a nurturing space where everyone feels acknowledged, heard, and cherished.
Adhata Trust’s model seamlessly aligns with the Spark of Life approach by recognizing that within every individual, regardless of age or cognitive abilities, resides a life seeking human touch. It’s not about mere existence; it’s about living a life brimming with purpose, meaning, and connections.
In a metropolis as vibrant and fast-paced as Mumbai, Adhata Trust shines as a beacon of hope, advocating for dignified aging and offering a vital lifeline to those navigating the intricacies of growing old in a bustling city. Through our steadfast commitment to the Spark of Life Model of Care, they are rewriting the narrative of aging, transforming it into a chapter adorned with compassion, respect, and boundless joy.
As the Trust continues its journey, our impact reverberates far beyond the 15 centers and 400 members they serve. They are pioneering a movement, inspiring others to embrace a similar ethos in caring for the elderly, not just within Mumbai’s boundaries but across the global landscape. With every interaction, every shared smile, and every comforting hand extended, Adhata Trust exemplifies the essence of the Spark of Life Model of Care, illuminating the path toward holistic and dignified aging for all.
What sets Adhata Trust apart is its unwavering commitment to acceptance and positive communication, especially toward individuals navigating the complexities of dementia. Here, dignity isn’t eclipsed by the progression of the condition; instead, it is upheld and revered. Members who acquire dementia after joining the Trust are met with unwavering support and understanding. Our emotional world is acknowledged, our voices heard, and our personhood respected, fostering an environment where they continue to feel valued and connected.
We will always strive to be guided by the three core principles of our Spark of Life Philosophy- to Shift our Focus; Share our Heart; Shine your Light and uphold our belief in rementia.