Aim for Seva
Swami Dayananda Krupa Home
THE NEED
The question of ‘Who after me?’ is one that haunts the parents of differently-abled individuals.
According to a study published in the medical journal, The Lancet (29th Aug, 2018), India has the maximum number of children (around 1.15 crore) with developmental disabilities. The study also says that India has the highest cases of YLDs (years lived with developmental disabilities).
Whilst many organisations have built centres and support systems to help and train children, there are very few institutions that work with and/or take care of adults for their lifetime.
What if there was a solution that addressed this question, by providing a place that differently-abled people could consider their own? This was the seed of a thought that bloomed into an institution: Swami Dayananda Krupa Home.
THE HISTORY
Some of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s followers and students, who were parents to children with developmental disabilities, often shared with him their concerns about their children. From individualised daily routines to need for specialist medical intervention to maintaining constant supervision, these parents and caregivers felt helpless, burnt out, and were saddled with several negative emotions.
In particular, the parents would often share their worries about who would care for their children after their own lifetimes. They were scared that their children would face half-hearted care, or even neglect, from extended family. Admitting them to institutions was also a difficult decision as they were unsure of whether the staff would treat their children with respect and empathy.
Thus, Pujya Swamiji was witness to and fully aware of the enormous responsibility, and physical and mental stress faced by parents and family members who cared for individuals with developmental disabilities.
THE VISION
Moved by their feeling of helplessness, Pujya Swamiji decided to find a way to help assuage the pain of parents who faced these issues – not just those who were known to him but of all those who wanted support. So, he envisioned Krupa Home – a safe space where empathetic care is provided to help individuals with developmental disabilities to live with happiness and dignity.
The word ‘Krupa’ means ‘compassion’ and the Home is built on the following pillars:
- Compassion for the resident
- Compassion for the aged parents
- Compassion for the extended family
- Compassion towards the community
The Home was established on 16 June 1998, in a 10-acre campus in Maduvankarai (near Sriperumbudur, 40 km from Chennai). The land on which the Home stands was generously donated by Mrs. Saroj Goenka, who wanted to help make Pujya Swamiji’s vision come to life in the best way possible.
THE HOME
Today, Swami Dayananda Krupa Home has 31 male residents, aged between 18 and 65 years of age, with wide-ranging developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy and schizophrenia). The thoughtfully planned facilities and empathetic care provided help to allay the concerns of the residents’ parents and family members.
The 10-acre lush green campus is a verdant haven, with ample space for residents, caretakers and workers. The campus is well-guarded with fortified compound walls, security guard provision, 24×7 surveillance cameras and fire extinguisher.
Well planned and built cottages with spacious rooms and restrooms are provided for all the residents. Trained caretakers, under the guidance of a qualified psychiatrist are employed to provide support and care for the residents. Apart from the weekly visits by general physicians, psychiatrists and monthly health checkups, we have an in-house Nurse Station with a qualified nurse that helps to provide urgent medical intervention when needed. We also have an arrangement with Jaya Hospital, Sriperumbudur, to treat our residents in case of a health emergency.
The following facilities have been built to provide all-round care and support for our residents.
Activity Centre
A wide range of activities focusing on Sensory Integration, Stimulation and Leisure Therapy are conducted in this space. Activities that integrate Leisure Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Creative Movement Therapy, and Story Telling Sessions are planned and conducted. In addition, the following activities are carried out:
- Practice of exercises that focus on a range of movements
- Conducting training programmes to help residents retain learnt skills
- Conducting activities that focus on making residents function independently within the campus
- Conducting therapeutic activities, such as making paper bags, marbling, weaving therapy and making incense sticks
Treatment Centre
Staffed by members of The Buddhi Clinic, including a full-time physiotherapist, full-time psychologist, full-time yoga and naturopathy specialist and ayurvedic therapist, the Treatment Centre provides ample space for therapy sessions to be conducted for residents as per individual needs. Their parents / caregivers are invited for training sessions.
Nurse Station
A qualified nurse is always available to provide immediate medical intervention as and when needed. Residents who are unwell are isolated and provided medical care until they feel better.
Training Centre
The Training Centre was created with the vision of holding regular talks and training sessions for staff, field experts, parents and even the general public (in due course). Currently, training programmes conducted here include: Caretakers Training Programme, Cross Disability Training Programme, Counselling Skills, Behaviour Management Training and First Aid Training.
Kitchen and Dining
A spacious, clean and well-ventilated kitchen, and a spacious dining room with well spaced out dining tables and chairs form the heart of Swami Dayananda Krupa Home. Nutritious, balanced meals are planned, cooked fresh and served. Residents are helped by caretakers during meal times as needed. Prior to starting the meal, the residents and staff chant a small prayer, after which they enjoy their meal.
Laundry
Four washing machines have been installed in the specially built laundry space. Clothes, sheets and other items are washed on a regular basis to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. In addition to the above, the Home houses residents quarters, caretakers and staff quarters, guest residences, administration centre, security office, a small temple, and a gaushala.
A wide range of activities focusing on Sensory Integration, Stimulation and Leisure Therapy are conducted in this space. Activities that integrate Leisure Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Creative Movement Therapy, and Story Telling Sessions are planned and conducted. In addition, the following activities are carried out:
- Practice of exercises that focus on a range of movements
- Conducting training programmes to help residents retain learnt skills
- Conducting activities that focus on making residents function independently within the campus
- Conducting therapeutic activities, such as making paper bags, marbling, weaving therapy and making incense sticks
Staffed by members of The Buddhi Clinic, including a full-time physiotherapist, full-time psychologist, full-time yoga and naturopathy specialist and ayurvedic therapist, the Treatment Centre provides ample space for therapy sessions to be conducted for residents as per individual needs. Their parents / caregivers are invited for training sessions.
A qualified nurse is always available to provide immediate medical intervention as and when needed. Residents who are unwell are isolated and provided medical care until they feel better.
The Training Centre was created with the vision of holding regular talks and training sessions for staff, field experts, parents and even the general public (in due course). Currently, training programmes conducted here include: Caretakers Training Programme, Cross Disability Training Programme, Counselling Skills, Behaviour Management Training and First Aid Training.
A spacious, clean and well-ventilated kitchen, and a spacious dining room with well spaced out dining tables and chairs form the heart of Swami Dayananda Krupa Home. Nutritious, balanced meals are planned, cooked fresh and served. Residents are helped by caretakers during meal times as needed. Prior to starting the meal, the residents and staff chant a small prayer, after which they enjoy their meal.
Four washing machines have been installed in the specially built laundry space. Clothes, sheets and other items are washed on a regular basis to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. In addition to the above, the Home houses residents quarters, caretakers and staff quarters, guest residences, administration centre, security office, a small temple, and a gaushala.
THE TEAM
To ensure that Pujya Swamiji’s vision is fulfilled to the best possible extent, we have instituted a complete multidisciplinary team to manage and run Swami Dayananda Krupa Home.
Education and Training
- Special Educator
- Vocational Trainer
- Physical Education Trainer
- Yoga Therapist
- Weaver (for Weaving Therapy)
Healthcare and Therapy
- Psychologist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Social Worker
- Nurse
Facility Management and Support
- Caretakers
- Kitchen Manager
- Resident Manager
- Housekeeping Staff
- Security Officer
- Maintenance Technicians
Administration and Finance
- Administrative Officer
- Accountant
- Office Assistant
HOW YOU CAN HELP
To keep up and expand our seva to families in need, we need your support.
Any and all donations will be received with gratitude, and will be channelled towards the care of our residents and upkeep of our facility.
Donate via offline options
- If you wish to donate via bank transfer / cheque / demand draft
Name of the Account: AIM for Seva
Name of the Bank: Indian Overseas Bank
Name of the Branch: Sriram Nagar Branch
Type of Account: Savings
Account Number: 047901000026283
Bank Address: 123/1, T.T.K. Road, Sriam Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai-600018
Branch Code: 0479
IFSC: IOBA0000479
Cheque / DD: To be drawn in favour of “AIM for Seva” - If you wish to donate in person
Central Office
AIM for Seva
‘Srinidhi’ Apartments, Second Floor
No. 4, Desika Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600004
Ph: +91 95000 60153
Email: contact@aimforseva.in
Project Address
Swami Dayananda Krupa Home
Thiruvallur Road, Maduvankarai,
Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram – 602 105