Senior Care Home Visit by Amrita Balakendra

A Valentine’s Day Filled with Love

On February 16th, the children of Amrita Balakendra (a program of MA Center), accompanied by dedicated adult volunteers from MA Center, embarked on a special visit to the East Bay Post Acute Healthcare Center, a senior care home in Castro Valley. This was no ordinary visit—it was part of a beautiful tradition that had been carried on for over 20 years, a tradition where love and joy blossomed between generations.

This time, their visit coincided with Valentine’s Day, a perfect occasion to share warmth and kindness. The children, accompanied by dedicated adult volunteers from MA Center, stepped into the quiet halls of the senior home. The sight before them was familiar—many seniors lay in bed, some lost in sleep, others staring absently at the ceiling, and a few with their faces gently covered by their sheets.

But as soon as the children’s laughter and voices filled the space, the atmosphere began to shift. With bright eyes and eager smiles, they explained why they had come. The news spread like a ripple, and soon, seniors who had seemed withdrawn just moments ago sat up, their faces lighting up with curiosity and joy.

The care home was filled with many rooms, each holding stories of a lifetime. The children along with the adult volunteers split into small groups, visiting each one, bringing with them the gift of a song. Their voices filled the air with melodious hymns, and the seniors, moved by the music, clapped along, some even trying to follow the printed lyrics handed to them. One elderly gentleman reached out and asked if he could hold hands, and the children gladly intertwined their fingers with his, forming a bond that words could never express.

As a token of love, they gave out small heart-shaped gifts, delicately scented with lavender. Many seniors held them close, as if cherishing a newfound treasure, while one gentleman carefully pinned his to his shirt, wearing it proudly.

Amma often says, “To awaken spiritual unity and to spread to others the love that is our inherent nature is the true goal of human life.” That day, in the simple act of singing, holding hands, and giving small tokens of love, the children and seniors proved that love truly knows no age.

Enjoy browsing these heartfelt moments from the visit.

And so, as the children and the adult volunteers waved goodbye, their hearts were fuller than when they arrived—because in giving love, they had received it tenfold.
 If you would like to be a part of this wonderful experience please email Sudhir Aggarwal who leads the Amrita Balakendra Program in San Ramon or Ragini who has been a great source of support for this project for a long time.