The Goodfellows, Mumbai
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11:00 am, 43F (6C), Cloudy
KC Mehta presenting his book - My Journey with Sumi, to Shantanu Naidu
In my quest to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s and help reduce stigma and the taboos associated with it across many cultures, I had an opportunity to do so while I was in Mumbai (Oct 28 – Nov 8).
After a gap of nine years, I went to India. Thanks to Jasen who came from October 25 to November 2 and Parini from November 2 to November 10. In addition, four different caregivers stepped up for the morning and the evening shifts.
One of my objectives for the India visit was to meet Mr. Ratan Tata. I was in touch with him and we had agreed to meet during my visit. Fate had different plans with Mr. Tata's untimely passing.
However, I met Dilnaz Gilder, Mr. Tata’s assistant, and Shantanu Naidu, Mr. Tata’s protégé, at Somerset House which is in the same compound as Mr. Tata's residence at the end of the long driveway. Mr. Tata's residence is on the right side, a white bungalow named Hale Kai. In Hawaiian, Hale Kai means "Home by the Sea." Appropriately, the backyard faces water on the Colaba Causeway.
Shantanu Naidu, Dilnaz Gilder and KC Mehta
Shantanu, with the help of Mr. Tata, founded the Goodfellows. Goodfellows says, “We are a group of young college graduates who have an affection towards the elderly and look forward to creating meaningful bonds with our Grandpals. As we say, we would do everything that your grandkid would do for you!”
About 75 college-going Goodfellows volunteers give companionship to about 225 senior couples (a total of 450 seniors) in the greater Mumbai area. I was informed that of these 450 seniors, about 200 seniors have various stages of memory loss (dementia). I was invited to make a presentation of My Journey with Sumi to Goodfellows seniors on November 7th. Due to time constraints, I thrifted the presentation that I had made at the Bharatiya Temple and the Bloomfield Township Senior Center recently.
The venue was Jenkins House, a one-story historic building on Henry Road behind the Taj Mahal Hotel. There were about 200+ attendees on Zoom and 25 or so in person. The presentation was well received. Few caregivers shared their stories and it was emotional for them to openly do it.
Takeaways from the event:
1) A need for support groups where the Goddfellows seniors could network, share their experiences and derive strength from each others
2) Most of the caregiving is done by one or more family members. It is difficult to find dementia trained caregivers to help in challenging situations
Since my presentation, a few family caregivers have reached out to me, and I am helping them. I hope to continue my association with the Goodfellows.
The Goodfellows Volunteers - After my presentation