Every elderly person deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, and cared for—a place where they are remembered for their life stories and experiences, not just their age. Anamay Healthcare Services, led by Dr. Pallavi Desai, is that place. With a big heart and a passion for helping, Dr. Pallavi started Anamay to offer more than just medical care. It’s a place where elderly people get the care they need for both their bodies and their emotions, with a special focus on geriatric care that treats each person as an individual.
The growth of Anamay Healthcare Services developed through Dr. Pallavi’s dual commitment between professional expertise and personal dedication. Having spent more than 15 years in hospitals, she gained expertise in running medical operations as well as delivering quality patient care. Helping elderly individuals had been Dr. Pallavi’s life goal since she wanted to care for the older population that receives little attention from society. Her compassion for the elderly led her to dedicate her time between volunteering and spending festivals with seniors at old age homes. That’s when she realized that the elderly needed more than just care—they needed someone to connect with them and make them feel loved.
This is how Anamay was created—an idea to give elderly people not just medical care, but also emotional and mental support. Thanks to Dr. Pallavi’s hard work, Anamay is now one of the most trusted names in senior healthcare, offering a geriatric care model that combines medical attention with a warm, loving environment.
Let’s explore Anamay’s innovative model of senior care, focusing on dignity, independence, and well-being for the elderly!
A Journey to Serve the Elderly
Dr. Pallavi’s path into senior care didn’t start the way one might expect. “I began my career in the hospital industry, but not in medicine,” she recalls. “I worked in the non-medical sector—helping build hospitals, managing operations, and handling quality and branding.” During these years, she discovered her deep compassion for people, especially the elderly.
Working in hospitals taught her that compassion is essential in healthcare. “In hospitals, you see many patients, but it’s the elderly who often need extra care—not just physically, but emotionally,” she explains. This led her to a new direction. While still working in the hospital sector, she began volunteering at old age homes, celebrating birthdays and festivals with seniors. “Spending time with them made me realize that they needed more than just care—they needed connection, dignity, and respect,” she says.
Eventually, Dr. Pallavi reached a crossroads in her career. “I felt like I had done everything I could in the hospital sector, but I wanted to do something more meaningful. That’s when I decided to focus on elderly care,” she explains.
And so, Anamay Healthcare Services was born—a compassionate, holistic approach to senior care that provides not only physical care but also emotional and mental support, focusing on the unique needs of the elderly.
Pioneering Assisted Living for the Elderly
Anamay’s approach to senior care is distinct. Dr. Pallavi didn’t just want to create another old age home; she wanted to offer something more—a place where elderly people could live with dignity, independence, and happiness. “We were the first to introduce ‘assisted living’ in India,” she says proudly. “Assisted living is for those who need more than just medical care—they need help with daily activities, emotional support, and companionship.”
Whether it’s recovering from a stroke, managing post-operative care, or living with chronic conditions like Dementia, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s, the center offers a safe space where elderly individuals can get the support they need.
“We ensure that our residents receive everything they need under one roof—medical care, physiotherapy, psychological support, and even recreational activities like yoga, art, and fun games. It’s a well-rounded approach to improving their quality of life,” she explains.
But creating this environment takes more than just physical infrastructure—it requires a cultural shift in how society views elderly care. “Assisted living isn’t just about having a room for the elderly to stay in. It’s about creating an environment where they feel cared for, valued, and can live as independently as possible,” says Dr. Pallavi. “At Anamay, we make sure every resident’s individuality is respected, and they can engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.”
Training is vital at the center “Before we hire anyone, we make sure they’re fully trained in caregiving,” she says. “Even our housekeeping staff is trained in basic caregiving and CPR. We want to ensure we provide the highest standard of care, especially since our elderly residents are fragile.”
Dr. Pallavi emphasizes, “Every team member plays a vital role in delivering care. From the cooks who prepare nutritious meals to the staff who assist with daily tasks, each person contributes to making life better for our residents.”
Anamay: A Name with Purpose
The name “Anamay” holds deep significance. In Sanskrit, it means “keeping all illnesses away,” and it is also the name of the Hindu deity Ganpati, symbolizing protection and well-being. Dr. Pallavi chose this name thoughtfully, believing it reflects the essence of what Anamay represents: a place that provides care and ensures the well-being of the elderly.
“I didn’t want just any name. I wanted something that resonates with the purpose of our service,” she shares. “Anamay reflects our goal to help elderly people stay healthy and peaceful, even in their later years.”
This spiritual connection to the name is part of Anamay’s philosophy—to provide not just physical care but also emotional and spiritual support to every resident, ensuring they feel loved, respected, and valued. “The name Anamay is a constant reminder of our purpose. It reflects our commitment to holistic care, ensuring that our residents are not just surviving but living their later years to the fullest,” she adds.
A Director’s Commitment to Compassionate Care
As the Director, Dr. Pallavi’s role goes beyond management. “I don’t focus on day-to-day administration,” she explains. “My real focus is on the people we care for. I visit all our centers regularly, speaking to the residents, making sure they’re comfortable and well-treated.”
Dr. Pallavi is deeply involved in ensuring quality care at every level. “I make it a point to meet each resident personally. It’s important to me that they feel seen and heard. When an elderly person is in our care, I want them to know they matter.”
Her hands-on approach also includes ensuring the elderly feel safe and secure. “At that age, they can easily get frightened,” she says. “I make sure to talk to them, understand their problems, and ensure they’re being treated well.”
In addition to this, Dr. Pallavi is dedicated to raising awareness about senior care. “In India, there’s still a stigma about old age homes and assisted living,” she says. “But there are so many excellent facilities out there now. My mission is to spread awareness and help people understand that there are better options available.”
Overcoming Challenges with Strength and Patience
Running a senior care service presents emotional challenges. “The hardest part is the emotional bond you form with the elderly,” she says. “When they pass away, it’s tough. But over time, I’ve learned to stay strong. I have to focus on helping the others who need us.”
She admits that elderly care can be demanding. “Elderly people can be repetitive and need extra attention, but they also have so much wisdom. It’s something I’ve learned to appreciate,” she says. “It’s taught me patience, and it’s made me a better person.”
“The elderly are like children in some ways. They need extra care, but their life experiences give them wisdom that can teach us a lot,” she adds with a smile.
Pride in Anamay’s Growth and Success
Dr. Pallavi is proud of Anamay’s success, especially since the company has grown mainly through word of mouth. “We’ve never advertised—no billboards, no newspaper ads. Our success has come from the quality of care we provide,” she says. “We’ve always had a waiting list. People trust us because of the love and care we give.”
She is also proud of her personal growth. “I’ve become more patient and accepting of the challenges in this field,” she says. “Some people tell me I’m too young for this industry, but I see it as an advantage. It lets me look at things from a fresh perspective.”
Dr. Pallavi reminds her team, “Today could be someone’s last meal, so make it special. Make it something they enjoy.” It’s a small but meaningful gesture that shows how much the team at the center cares for the residents.
A Story That Reinforced Her Commitment
One story that particularly moved Dr. Pallavi happened early on during the pandemic. “We started in 2020, and I wasn’t sure we’d succeed. But within a month, our first center was full, and we had to open a second one,” she recalls.
One case that deeply affected her was that of an elderly woman with Dementia whose son was stranded in Australia due to the pandemic. “She had three heart attacks while with us. We saved her twice, but on the third, we couldn’t. Her son couldn’t come, so he asked me to handle her last rites. I had never done that before, but I did. I even went to the ghat at Alandi for the ritual. That’s what Anamay is all about—being there for our residents until the very end.”
Another story is of an elderly woman who fell at home and thought she couldn’t walk again. “With the right care and emotional support, she regained the strength to walk. It was a miracle,” Dr. Pallavi says with a smile. “That’s the kind of impact we have on people’s lives.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Healthcare Leaders
Dr. Pallavi has simple but powerful advice for those wanting to work in healthcare, especially senior care. “You need to be empathetic—more than just compassionate. Even if you haven’t experienced it personally, treat every elderly person like your own family,” she says. “Patience is crucial, and so is a practical approach. Your emotional intelligence will set you apart.”
She adds, “This industry requires balance. While you need empathy, you also need to be practical. That’s the key to making a real difference.”
