Niwara Old Age Home

Niwara Old Age Home, formerly known as the Pune Infirm Asylum, was established in 1863 with its foundation stone laid on August 9 of that year. Located at New Sadashiv Peth, Pune, the home sits on a serene 5-acre campus by the banks of the Mutha River. The property is flat, easily navigable, and surrounded by lush greenery. The institution was built to offer refuge to destitute senior citizens with no familial or financial support. Today, Niwara operates under a public charitable trust and continues its mission by providing lifelong care, either free or at nominal costs, to elderly men and women aged 60 and above. The centre accommodates approximately 140–150 residents, with an additional 50 bedridden patients in its dedicated rehabilitation wing.

Amenities

The 5-acre Niwara campus is a peaceful, tree-lined sanctuary with flourishing banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees. Residents enjoy walking paths shaded by Peepal and Gulmohar trees, as well as vegetable gardens and flowering shrubs. The facility uses solar energy for water heating, street lighting, and emergency lighting. Accessibility is thoughtfully incorporated, with anti-skid pathways, ramps with railings, and wheelchair-friendly corridors and toilets. Niwara’s Rehabilitation Centre is staffed 24/7 with trained nurses to care for bedridden and chronically ill residents. A Physiotherapy Centre with modern equipment is available free to residents and open to the public for a fee. The centre also supports treatments for paediatric spastic polio. A homeopathy clinic serves both residents and the general public at nominal rates. In addition, honorary doctors visit twice weekly, with ambulance and doctor-on-call services available. Tie-ups with renowned ensure that residents have access to specialized care when needed. Niwara has transformed its former Samaj Mandir into a gymnasium, open to residents for free and accessible to senior citizens from the public on a fee basis. The Community Hall, hosts seminars, social events, and memorial gatherings, and is available for rent. An on-site temple offers a place for spiritual practice and daily worship. The institution also collaborates with NGOs such as Swadhar, Sneh Seva, and Sanvedana Foundation, and hosts Smruti Din memorial meals for residents and their families through a ₹5,000 donation scheme. The facility ensures residents’ comfort with fresh, hot meals served in a communal dining hall, along with dedicated pantry and store rooms. Operational needs are managed by an administrative office near the main entrance, which includes a doctor’s room, meeting space, and legal advisory support. Water is supplied through PMC and borewell sources, with solar-powered heaters and a complete waste management and electrical backup system in place. Security is managed by watchmen, with parking space for around 10 cars and 100 two-wheelers

Accommodation

Niwara offers a variety of accommodation options to house approximately 150 residents, including 50 patients in the rehabilitation wing. The newest residential block consists of a ground and first floor, each containing dormitories that can accommodate 8–10 people. In total, there are 8 dormitories on the ground floor and 9 on the upper floor. Each resident is allotted a single bed and a personal storage cabinet, and every dormitory is equipped with a television. For those who are physically dependent or bedridden, a separate wing with 24-hour nursing care is available, ensuring personalized attention in a calm, private setting. Niwara accepts residents who are 60 years or older, have no close family, and lack the means for livelihood. All admissions begin with a three-month trial period. While basic care is free of charge, residents in the rehabilitation wing may contribute donations based on their families’ financial capacity.

Key Features