No one wants to imagine that their loved one is feeling alone. The ideal situation is for families to take care of their elders at home. But life can be busy, and sometimes families live far apart. This is where old age homes come in. Their purpose is not to replace families but to provide a warm and caring environment for seniors who need a little extra support.
According to the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011-2036, there are nearly 138 million elderly persons in India in 2021 and it is further expected to increase by around 56 million elderly persons in 2031. There are 18 million homeless elderly persons in India based on the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India 2020.
There are 720+ old-age homes in India. Old-age homes in India can be of both public and private types. They provide various old age services in India including home care, hourly adult care, hospice care, palliative care, assisted living, and nursing homes. These services are also based on the respective disease indications.
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What is an Old Age Home?
An old age home is a community that takes care of senior citizens. It’s like a place where oldies can stay together and get help when they need it. Some people may need help with daily tasks, while others simply enjoy the company and activities. This is a great option for seniors who want to remain independent but also have support nearby.
Types of Old Age Homes in India (2025)
As India’s population continuously grows, senior housing options are becoming increasingly diverse. The days of a one-size-fits-all old age home are over. Today, there are a range of senior living communities designed to meet different needs and preferences. Here are three popular options:
- Independent Living: Imagine a vibrant community where you can live independently in your apartment. These communities offer housekeeping, security, and social activities, perfect for active seniors who want to maintain their independence.
- Assisted Living: Need a helping hand with daily tasks like bathing or medication management? Assisted living facilities provide that extra support, while still encouraging independence. You’ll have your own private space, along with access to common areas for socializing and on-site medical professionals for peace of mind.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): CCRCs provide a full spectrum of care, from independent living to assisted living and even skilled nursing care. This all-encompassing approach ensures that your needs are met as you age, providing a sense of security and continuity.
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Old Age Home vs Elder Care at Home
Here is the comparison between Old Age Home and Elder Care at Home
| Feature | Old Age Home | Elder Care at Home |
| Living Arrangement | Shared or private rooms in a facility | Remain in own home |
| Level of Care | Varies, from basic assistance to some medical care | Varies, from companionship to skilled nursing care |
| Privacy | Limited | High |
| Independence | Encouraged but may be limited by assistance needs | Encouraged to the greatest extent possible |
| Socialization | Opportunities for interaction with other residents | May require more effort to maintain social connections |
| Cost | Can be expensive, depending on the level of care and amenities | Can be expensive, depending on hours of care and the type of services |
| Familiarity | New environment, may take time to adjust | Familiar surroundings |
| Security | Staff on-site 24/7 | May require additional security measures |
| Meal Preparation | Meals provided | May require assistance with meal preparation or meal delivery services |
| Transportation | May be limited or require scheduling | Can be arranged as needed |
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Pros of Old Age Home
- Safety and Security: Old age homes provide a safe environment with their staff providing peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
- Loneliness reduced: Enjoy companionship and social activities! Make new friends and share experiences with like-minded seniors.
- • Help with Daily Tasks: Get a helping hand with bathing, dressing, or taking medication, so you can focus on enjoying your retirement.
- Delicious Food: Savor nutritious and delicious food, often prepared with special dietary needs in mind. No more worries about cooking!
- Fun and Activities: Stay active and entertained with organized programs, games, and outings designed for seniors.
- Health Care Assistance: Many facilities offer easy access to on-site medical professionals or health services for peace of mind.
- Maintenance-Free Living: Say goodbye to home maintenance worries. The staff takes care of cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.
- Transportation Assistance: Some communities provide transportation to functions or appointments, ensuring you get where you need to go.
- Financial Flexibility: Explore options to suit your budget. Some homes offer different payment plans to suit your needs.
- Peace of mind for the family: Knowing you are well taken care of allows loved ones to relax and focus on their lives.
- Active and Independent Lifestyle: Many homes promote independence with assistance available, allowing you to live life to the fullest.
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Cons of Old Age Home
- Nursing homes may have routines and schedules that residents must follow, which can restrict their independence and sense of control.
- Moving away from familiar surroundings and loved ones can also create feelings of loneliness and isolation among other residents.
- Shared living spaces can make it difficult to find moments of quiet solitude or personalize your surroundings.
- While food is provided, there may be less flexibility in dietary preferences than cooking at home.
- Sadly, some facilities may be understaffed, putting residents at risk of not receiving the level of care they need.
- Nursing homes can be expensive, placing a financial burden on residents or their families.
- Adjusting to new environments, routines, and roommates can be emotionally and mentally difficult.
- Some facilities may not be equipped to handle complex medical conditions or may need to relocate if residents’ needs change.
- There may be restrictions on visiting hours, making it difficult for family and friends to stay connected.
- Many old age homes do not allow pets, forcing residents to be separated from their beloved companions.
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Top 10 Best Old Age Homes in India 2025
| Rank | Name | Location |
| 1 | The Graceland Foundation | Kochi, Kerala |
| 2 | Place de Retraite Anandam | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| 3 | Athulya’s Assisted Living | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | Antara Senior Living | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| 5 | Services For The Elderly In Nema | Gurugram, Haryana |
| 6 | The Golden Estate | Faridabad, Haryana |
| 7 | Covai Care | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
| 8 | Ashiana Housing | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 9 | Dignity Lifestyle | Maharashtra |
| 10 | Silverglades, Premier Resident of Melia | Delhi |
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Government Initiatives and Support for Old Age Homes in India
The Indian government offers various initiatives and support programs for old-age homes.
1. Accreditation Programs for Old Age Homes
Currently, there’s no national accreditation system for old-age homes in India. However, some states have taken independent initiatives:
- Quality Council of India (QCI): This central government body offers accreditation for old-age homes based on specific quality standards. While not mandatory nationwide, it demonstrates a commitment to quality care.
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2. Schemes for Elderly Welfare
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) plays a key role in supporting old age homes through the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) scheme launched in 2021.
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): This scheme provides financial aid to NGOs and government bodies for setting up and maintaining old-age homes. It focuses on indigent senior citizens, offering basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, and recreational activities.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): This scheme provides financial assistance for purchasing physical aids and assistive devices specifically for Below Poverty Line (BPL) senior citizens. This can improve their mobility and independence within old age homes.
- Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funding: The government encourages companies to utilize their CSR funds for setting up or supporting old-age homes and daycare centers for senior citizens.
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15 Old Age Homes in India for Abandoned Senior Citizens
- Shibasram Old Age Home, Kolkata
- Priyadarshini Seva Mandali
- Akshaya Trust
- Moksha Vridh Ashram
- Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram
- Universal Elder Care
- The Earth Savior Foundation, Bandwari, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Paranjape Athashri, Baner, Pune
- Omashram Trust
- HelpAge India, Patiala and Gurdaspur, Punjab
- Wishes and Blessings
- Jai Maa Durga, Delhi
- Ashraya Welfare Organization, Tirupati Grameen Mandal
- Ammucare Charitable Trust
- Jesus the Way Trust runs, Chennai
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The government of India (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) is supporting 551 NGO-run old age homes in which 16,290 destitute elderly are provided accommodation. Privately managed old age homes are not maintained by the Government.
| Sl. No. | State/UT | No. of Senior Citizen Homes | No. of Beneficiaries |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 75 | 2000 |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | 3 | 150 |
| 3 | Assam | 40 | 1295 |
| 4 | Bihar | 1 | 25 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | 6 | 275 |
| 6 | Delhi | 3 | 100 |
| 7 | Goa | 2 | 100 |
| 8 | Gujarat | 10 | 375 |
| 9 | Haryana | 15 | 375 |
| 10 | Himachal Pradesh | 2 | 50 |
| 11 | Jharkhand | 2 | 100 |
| 12 | Karnataka | 39 | 1195 |
| 13 | Kerala | 5 | 125 |
| 14 | Madhya Pradesh | 19 | 600 |
| 15 | Maharashtra | 37 | 1135 |
| 16 | Manipur | 30 | 800 |
| 17 | Meghalaya | 2 | 100 |
| 18 | Mizoram | 2 | 50 |
| 19 | Nagaland | 3 | 100 |
| 20 | Odisha | 91 | 2500 |
| 21 | Puducherry | 1 | 25 |
| 22 | Punjab | 3 | 75 |
| 23 | Rajasthan | 16 | 600 |
| 24 | Tamil Nadu | 66 | 1795 |
| 25 | Telangana | 19 | 475 |
| 26 | Tripura | 3 | 75 |
| 27 | Uttar Pradesh | 28 | 920 |
| 28 | Uttarakhand | 2 | 50 |
| 29 | West Bengal | 26 | 825 |
| Total | 551 | 16290 |
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Old Age Homes Funding in India
State-wise details of funds released to States/UTs in the last 3 years for the new projects of Senior Citizen Homes.
| Sl. No. | State | 2020-21 (Rs. In actuals) | 2019-20 (Rs. In actuals) | 2018-19 (Rs. In actuals |
| 1 | Arunachal Pradesh | 3010708 | 475000 | 0 |
| 2 | Assam | 16431254 | 1900000 | 0 |
| 3 | Chhattisgarh | 8172611 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Delhi | 1523562 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Goa | 1890329 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Gujarat | 8501021 | 180000 | 0 |
| 7 | Haryana | 1891193 | 180000 | 0 |
| 8 | Jharkhand | 7180917 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Karnataka | 6794933 | 720000 | 0 |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | 9806823 | 180000 | 0 |
| 11 | Maharashtra | 808906 | 450000 | 270000 |
| 12 | Meghalaya | 4373035 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Mizoram | 1917038 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Nagaland | 1390013 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Odisha | 0 | 1080000 | 0 |
| 16 | Rajasthan | 10491428 | 540000 | 0 |
| 17 | Tamil Nadu | 12413103 | 270000 | 360000 |
| 18 | Telangana | 0 | 180000 | 0 |
| 19 | Uttar Pradesh | 21405139 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | West Bengal | 10029690 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 128031703 | 6155000 | 630000 |
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FAQs
Which state has the highest number of old-age homes in India?
We don’t have exact numbers on how many old-age homes are in each state in India. Many reports say Kerala likely has the most registered old-age homes out of all the states.
How Much Do Old Age Homes Cost in India?
The price of old age homes in India changes a lot based on where they are, what kind of place it is, and what services they offer. Usually, it costs between INR 12,000 and over INR 200,000 every month.
How Many Old Age Homes Are There in India?
There are approximately 728 old-age homes in India.
Are Old Age Homes Free in India?
Yes, India has free old-age homes, mostly managed by the government. These homes provide free housing, meals, and basic medical services. But because they have limited space, there could be waiting lists. Also, many private non-profit groups run free or low-cost homes for older people.
How to Start an Old Age Home in India?
- Plan and Research
- Location and Facility
- Staffing
- Services
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Marketing and Promotion
- Financial Planning
Are there retirement homes in India?
Yes, there are retirement homes in India, often called senior living communities or old age homes. These places offer different types of care, from independent living to help with daily tasks and medical care. They provide services like meals, cleaning, fun activities, and medical help.
Resources:
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment – Government of India Website
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) – Government of India Website
- This information was given by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment
- HelpAge India
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
- Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funding
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