Alzheimer’s-hit to get home soon

Andheri resident Radha Sharma (name changed) is fed up with taking care of her mother Shanti for last five years without a break. Every morning she bathes her, dresses up and takes her for walk. Then she rushes to the school, where she teaches, after locking her mother in their flat. “She doesn’t even know who I am. I wish there was someone to take care of my mom. I am exhausted,” she says.

In medical terms, Shanti suffers from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many old people are afflicted by the disease. The family members don’t understand the disease and the elderly either become isolated or the family tries to get rid of them. But the city has little to offer, except a few day care homes run by Dignity Foundation.

But such patients can now enjoy a full-fledged home, first of its kind in Maharashtra, which will take shape in Lonavala. A brain child of Santa Cruz resident Bhavna Kodiyal, this AD home will start functioning from January 1. “Construction will start from Monday. Prabha Joshi (78), a widow, is donating her bungalow at Lonavala for this cause,” says Bhavna, who has been associated with AD campaigns for a year.

A retired teacher, Joshi has two daughters. Both are married, and okay with the project. Joshi’s Lonavala home has 4 bedrooms, 1 hall and a kitchen. “We are changing the rooms to accommodate 8 patients initially. We plan to take 40 patients by end of 2012 end,” said Bhavna, who runs a designing and printing business in Mumbai.

The home would be free for needy people but rich ones will be charged. Lions Club is also providing financial aid for the project. According to Bhavna, “We will hire widows and lonely people to work with these patients.”

Bhavna has already gathered a panel of doctors, including neurologist therapists and physicians who will come to Lonavala for check-ups and treatment.

What initiated this step? “My brother is making a film based on Alzheimer. He worked for four years to pen the script. I could not sit idle when Asha Bhosle agreed to do the film,” she added.