Ontario's First Sikh-Punjabi Long-Term Care Home Coming To Brampton"[Niwaas] is a project that has been 20 years in the making, and we finally got it across the finish line."
Kuwarjeet Singh Arora Many Sikh and Punjabi seniors with medical and support needs find public long-term care (LTC) homes isolating due to language barriers, unfamiliar foods, and restrictions on practicing religious traditions. Niwaas Long-Term Care, a non-profit charity foundation initiated by the Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre and Brampton’s Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh, will open in Brampton in 2026. This new facility aims to provide Sikh and Punjabi seniors with a home honouring their culture and specific needs, addressing a critical gap in Ontario's healthcare system. For Singh, the Founder and Fundraising Cabinet Chair of Niwaas, creating this body is a deeply personal endeavour. The frustration over the lack of culturally sensitive long-term care options for Punjabi seniors has persisted for a long time. “I’ve been with Niwaas Long-Term Care from day one. I’ve heard about this [problem] for 10 years. This project has been five years in the making, and it’s amazing to see it go from concept to reality. The need was there, and that’s why I got involved.” “Our seniors face many challenges, especially as their needs increase. We need a facility that provides specialized care, as well as cultural and spiritual care,” he goes on to add. Last year, an elderly Sikh patient named Joginder Singh Kaler had his beard shaved without consent at the Brampton Civic Hospital, which caused outrage and emotional distress within the Sikh community. The World Sikh Organization of Canada called for improved cultural awareness and training in healthcare to prevent such violations. This incident underscores the neglect of Sikh traditions in mainstream healthcare and highlights the need for Niwaas LTC, where culturally tailored care is prioritized. “This isn’t just about a care home—it’s about dignity, about creating a space where they feel truly at home,” Singh shares. Many families find it challenging to care for aging loved ones with medical needs at home, particularly in a city like Brampton, where multi-generational households often have to balance work, childcare, and other responsibilities. “The isolation and unfamiliarity our Sikh and Punjabi elders experience when placed in care homes that don’t cater to their needs is heartbreaking,” says Gurvinder Kaur, Chair of Niwaas LTC. “Niwaas is about providing long-term care through a Sikh and Punjabi lens.” This means familiar food options such as roti, sabji, and cha, Punjabi-speaking staff to eliminate language barriers, and programs based on religious and cultural practices, including Simran circles, arts and crafts, and gardening. Niwaas LTC has partnered with UniversalCare, an experienced provider of culturally sensitive healthcare, to ensure the highest quality of care. “Care at Niwaas will be delivered in a way that meets the unique needs of our community,” Kaur explains. “We’ll have an active role in programming and gathering feedback from families.” Singh says it is also an example of “collaboration between the older and younger generations," showcasing how such partnerships can strengthen community bonds. Recruiting and retaining Punjabi-speaking staff has also been a priority. Gurvinder confirms that fluency in Punjabi is a requirement for employment, and many community members working in long-term care have already expressed interest in joining the team. “Right now, our biggest need is fundraising. As a non-profit, we rely on community donations. We will seek volunteers and programming ideas in the future, but for now, support through donations and event promotion is essential,” Singh stresses when discussing what is next for the project. Niwaas LTC will have a designated wing for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. The team is consulting experts to determine the best approach, exploring models like the Butterfly Method and SPECIAL Method to align with Sikh and Punjabi values. A memory care garden and tailored programming will also be key features of the facility. The response from the Sikh and Punjabi communities has been overwhelmingly positive. From volunteering professional services to fundraising, community members have been actively involved in bringing this project to life. “This is a project that has been 20 years in the making, and we finally got it across the finish line,” says Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation, MPP for Brampton South and another key figure in the initiative. “The province is investing approximately $70 million, with the rest being fundraised by the community. It’s a true example of government and community working together.” Premier Doug Ford has also backed the initiative, with Sarkaria noting his role as “a huge champion of this project.” With construction set to begin, Niwaas LTC is focused on ensuring a smooth launch. Over the next five to ten years, the goal is to expand services and inspire similar initiatives across Ontario and beyond. “This is just the beginning,” Sarkaria says. “We hope to see more culturally tailored long-term care facilities across Ontario to meet the diverse needs of our seniors.” "[Mayor Patrick Brown] has [also] been very supportive of culturally-focused long-term care homes. We recognized the challenges that arose in long-term care facilities after COVID-19, and as a city, we decided to support applications for non-profit and cultural long-term care homes. The mayor's budget included a motion to waive development charges, providing significant assistance," said Singh. For families considering Niwaas LTC for their loved ones, Gurvinder offers reassurance, “We are working tirelessly to create a space that prioritizes our identity, Sikhi, and culture—alongside the highest quality of care.” In the lead-up to Niwaas Long-Term Care's opening in 2026, the project continues to gain momentum, supported by the community, including gurdwaras, local businesses, and individual donations. "We aim for Niwaas Long-Term Care to serve as a model for what long-term care homes should be. Through our services, skilled staff, and research partnerships—such as our discussions with TMU Medical School—we aspire to lead in innovation within seniors' care. We expect and hope that the province recognizes this as a cutting-edge long-term care facility,” said Singh. The Niwaas LTC also represents the possibility of Gurudwaras playing a more active role in institution building beyond its doors. "This project is a prime example of how Gurudwaras can play a significant role in the community," Singh stresses. "The Gurudwara not only provided financial resources and leadership but also offered invaluable insights, drawing on its deep-rooted connection to the people it serves." Through the collective efforts of the community and the Gurudwara, Niwaas is evolving into more than just a long-term care center. As Gurvinder put it, “We’re not just creating a building. We’re creating a home. This is a place where our elders will not just receive care; they will thrive.” Kuwarjeet Singh Arora is an award-winning multimedia journalist based in Brampton, Ont. He is currently working for The Bramptonist, writing about local Brampton news. Besides covering topics about his community, he also covers issues that affect Canadian society as a whole. You can follow him on Instagram @kuwarx123 or Twitter @kuwarx123x Baaz is home to opinions, analysis, and original reporting for the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora. Support us by subscribing. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky at @BaazNewsOrg. If you would like to submit a written piece for consideration please email us at editor@baaznews.org. You're currently a free subscriber to Baaz. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
