Some places don’t just care for people — they nourish souls. VataVriksh Parent Care is one such haven. I spent a day there recently, and what I witnessed wasn’t just caregiving. It was love, dignity, and patience, woven into every moment.
Morning: Gentle Beginnings
The day began with a sense of calm. As I entered the facility, I was met with warm smiles from the staff and curious, gentle eyes from the elderly residents. The air was tranquil — like a cozy morning at home.
Some residents were reading the newspaper, others sipping tea. A few lounged in the garden, basking in the morning sun and chatting in small clusters. I sat beside an elderly gentleman named Mr. Singh. He spoke of his college days, his passion for poetry, and how time had reshaped the world. Listening to him felt like flipping through the pages of a history book — only warmer, more personal.
Midday: Laughter, Learning & Love
By noon, the space burst into lively energy. The staff led drawing sessions and memory games like “Name That Tune” and “Guess the Object.” Residents clapped, laughed, and playfully teased each other — joy floating through the air like music.
Cognitive Stimulation Sessions
The activities were dedicated to cognitive enrichment. Mental wellness is a quiet cornerstone of life here — tended to with creativity and care.
Puzzle Corner: Residents collaborated on jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and word games. The goal wasn’t just problem-solving — it was connection.
Flashback Trivia: Vintage posters, family photos, and relics from the past triggered laughter, memories, and meaningful stories.
Story Circle: One person began a tale, the next added to it, and so on. Unscripted, delightful, and full of surprises — this session revealed not just creativity, but layers of life.
Language Time: Bilingual games in Hindi and English — crosswords, proverbs, word hunts — exercised linguistic muscles while preserving cultural richness.
Meanwhile, I joined a journaling group where each resident narrated a childhood memory. Caregivers, with kindness and patience, wrote down their words. These cherished recollections were later pinned to the Memory Wall — a collage of lives lived with grace.
Then came lunchtime: simple, wholesome meals prepared with love. The staff made sure every plate suited each resident’s taste and appetite. It wasn’t just nourishment — it was compassion served in edible form.
Evening: Winding Down with Grace
As the sun dipped low, a quiet bhajan session brought the day to a close. Some sang. Others listened with eyes closed. The room filled with reverence, stillness, and something that felt a lot like peace.
When it was time to leave, a resident called out, “Come again, beta. You brought young energy here.” I smiled — but truthfully, they gave me more than I could ever return.
Final Thoughts
That day at VataVriksh Parent Care changed me. It taught me that aging doesn’t mean fading — it means evolving. It deserves reverence, stimulation, and joy.
If you’ve never spent time at a place like this, I encourage you to go. Hear the stories. Feel the warmth. Witness how dignity in aging can look — and how deeply it can touch your heart.
– Kirti Kaur
