Brampton is set to become home to Ontario’s first Sikh-Punjabi long-term care facility, Niwaas Long-Term Care, which is expected to open its doors by 2027. This pioneering initiative aims to address the growing need for culturally specific elder care within the Sikh and Punjabi community, ensuring that seniors receive not just medical care, but also emotional, spiritual, and cultural support in a setting that resonates with their values and traditions.
The project is spearheaded by the Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre in collaboration with Brampton’s Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh and a dedicated group of community leaders and healthcare professionals. The initiative seeks to fill a significant gap in Ontario’s long-term care system, where many Sikh and Punjabi seniors often struggle with language barriers, unfamiliar food options, and limited access to religious or cultural practices in existing facilities.
Niwaas, meaning “home” in Punjabi, aims to provide a holistic and inclusive environment where elders can live with dignity and maintain a sense of belonging.
Niwaas Long-Term Care will offer 160 beds, providing both private and semi-private rooms. A key feature of the facility will be a specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care unit, acknowledging the increasing need for memory care services within the aging South Asian community. The facility will be designed to reflect Punjabi culture, including:
- Traditional Punjabi cuisine, cooked fresh daily to accommodate dietary restrictions and cultural preferences.
- Punjabi-speaking caregivers and staff to eliminate language barriers and ensure smooth communication.
- Dedicated prayer areas and religious programming, including space for daily prayers and community gatherings.
- Specialized wellness programs, incorporating yoga, meditation, and traditional healing practices.
- Entertainment and social engagement activities, such as Gidha, Bhangra, Kirtan, and storytelling sessions that celebrate Punjabi heritage.
For decades, Sikh and Punjabi families in Canada have faced challenges in securing culturally appropriate elder care. Many mainstream long-term care facilities fail to meet the linguistic, dietary, and religious needs of the community, often leaving seniors feeling isolated and disconnected from their cultural identity.
“Our elders built this country and deserve a space where they feel at home, where their language is spoken, their food is served, and their traditions are respected,” said Gurvinder Kaur, Chair of Niwaas LTC.
Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “Niwaas will ensure our seniors receive not just medical care, but the cultural and spiritual care they need in their golden years.“
Niwaas Long-Term Care is being developed as a non-profit organization, relying heavily on community support, donations, and fundraising efforts. Several fundraising campaigns are expected to be launched over the next few years to cover construction costs, operational expenses, and staff training.
Many local businesses, professionals, and volunteers have already pledged their support, eager to contribute to what is being hailed as a historic project for the Sikh and Punjabi community in Ontario.
Niwaas LTC is expected to set a precedent for culturally focused elder care in Canada. If successful, it could serve as a model for other ethnic and religious communities seeking similar initiatives. The long-term goal is not only to provide care for Punjabi seniors but to inspire other cultural groups to establish tailored long-term care facilities that prioritize familiarity, comfort, and cultural identity.
As the South Asian population in Canada continues to grow, projects like Niwaas Long-Term Care will play a crucial role in shaping the future of senior care, ensuring that aging individuals can live with dignity, respect, and a strong connection to their roots.