Project SEWA
Caring for Elder Citizens
Pilot Project Sector 27, Chandigarh, India
Project SEWA
About The Initiative
A Pilot For Seniors In Sector 27
Project SEWA is a pioneering, citizen-led initiative to care for senior citizens above 70 years of age — those living alone or with family — in Sector 27, Chandigarh. The project works to fulfil their physical, mental, social and emotional needs
through fellow residents, the Resident Welfare Association, and partner welfare organisations across the city.
through fellow residents, the Resident Welfare Association, and partner welfare organisations across the city.
Our Mission
“To build a neighbourhood where no elder feels alone — where dignity, companionship and care are part of everyday life.”
Stage 1
Identification of Elder Citizens
Identified by the RWA
Pilot of 30 senior citizens above 70 years — living alone or with family — were identified by Residents Welfare Association (RWA).
Personal Connect Built
RWA volunteers met elders and their families to build rapport, explain the initiative, and personally facilitate CCF team visits.
Home Visits Over 4 Months
CCF team — Dr. Bhavneet Bharati (PGI), Dr. Amrit Kaur, Dr. Ashish Goel (AIMS Mohali), Col. Deepak De (Project Admin Lead), Dr. Ambuj Sharma and CCF interns — visited senior citizens at their homes, had intimate conversations from Dec
2025 to April 2026, for accurate assessments of their needs.
2025 to April 2026, for accurate assessments of their needs.
300+
Senior Citizens Identified in Sector 27
Stage 2
Needs Assessment Through Personal Visits
Based on close, in-home interactions, the CCF team identified four core need areas:
Loneliness
Emotional need for someone to talk to and for daily companionship.
Personal Daily Needs
Help with everyday routines, temple visits, park walks and errands.
Social Belonging
A need to feel connected, valued and part of a community.
Physical Health
Medical issues ranging from mild to moderate and severe.
Stage 3
Fulfilment of Needs – Citizens Activity Centre
Volunteer Companionship
Personal care through neighbours and friends.
Each senior’s needs are carefully examined. The RWA then arranges neighbourhood volunteers and family friends to visit them regularly and spend time with them for companionship — in close consultation with family members.
Citizens Activity Centre
A daily home for activities — indoor and outdoor
CCF is handholding the RWA to run a Citizens Activity Centre — with daily forenoon indoor activities at the Community Centre, and evening outdoor activities in the parks. The aim: better physical, mental and emotional health.
Project SEWA
Indoor Activities – Talks, Skills and Shared Meals
1. Health & Wellness Talks
Experts share guidance on geriatric health and well-being.
2. Expert Sessions
Other relevant topics led by subject experts and volunteers.
3. Technology Awareness
Help with mobile phones, useful apps, the internet and payments.
4. Art & Crafts
Painting, sketching and creative workshops in small sub-groups.
5. Professionals as Volunteers
Professionals as volunteers from CCF and other organisations visit, give talks and interact.
6. Sharing Over Food
Meals together — the warmest part of the day.
7. Student Interactions
Pre-arranged interactions between students and elder citizens.
Growing old should never mean growing alone — every elder deserves dignity, companionship, and care.
Project SEWA – Care
Medical Needs – Awareness & Linkages
For individual medical needs, CCF provides awareness and information about:
Mobile Health Team
– Senior Citizens Mobile Health Team, Sector 16 Civil Hospital.
Local Doctors
– sector doctors for routine check-ups and emergency attention.
Physiotherapy
– para-medical bodies for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Counselling at Home
– professional at-home psychological counselling where required.
At-Home Medical Care
– professional agencies for at-home medical care services.
Geriatric Care Training
– family members trained in basic geriatric care.
ONE CONTINUOUS CIRCLE OF CARE
From the first check-up to care at home, every senior citizen stays connected to support.
Project SEWA – Care For Elderly
Residents Caring For Their Own
1. Implementation
Led on the ground by the Resident Welfare Association with training, guidance and hand-holding by CCF.
2. Civic Partnership
In collaboration with The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh Administration.
3. Collective Effort
CCF and many social welfare organisations across the city help the RWA to organise.
4. CCF’s Role
Catalyst and facilitator – connecting people, organisations, resources and expertise to the neighbourhood.
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