Home / Health / Bengaluru Opens Free Dementia Care Facility
Bengaluru Opens Free Dementia Care Facility
6 Nov
Summary
- A new dementia village, Smriti Gram, offers free residential care.
- The facility provides 100 beds for elders from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- It aims to integrate traditional Indian medicine with modern care.
A pioneering integrated dementia village, Smriti Gram, has been inaugurated on the outskirts of Bengaluru, offering free residential care for 100 elders with dementia. Established by the non-profit Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), the facility addresses the prohibitive monthly costs of dementia care, which can range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh. This vital service caters to individuals from economically disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds who might otherwise face neglect.
Smriti Gram is designed as a comprehensive center, bringing together specialized residential care, caregiver training, and research. NMT plans to explore the integration of evidence-based Indian systems of medicine with contemporary medical care, in collaboration with the Central Ayurveda Research Institute. The vision is for Smriti Gram to become a sustainable model for dementia care, potentially replicable nationwide.
The first phase, supported by donors including the Azim Premji Foundation, provides 100 beds. Prioritizing elders aged 55 and above with confirmed dementia requiring round-the-clock care and limited support, the facility aims to ensure dignity and security for all residents. Amenities include memory walls, a prayer hall, and green spaces, alongside a structured daily schedule fostering social interaction.
