There is no single official number, because it depends on what you count. 

Maharashtra's Social Justice Department runs 57 government-linked old age homes (33 grant-aided homes and 24 Matoshree homes). 

Independent studies and directories count far more once private and charitable homes are included — the Tata Trusts national study recorded around 133 formal senior living facilities in Maharashtra, while business directories that also list assisted living and retirement communities show counts ranging from 126 to nearly 700. 

In short, Maharashtra has among the highest number of old age homes of any Indian state, alongside Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Below is a clear breakdown of the numbers, where they come from, city-wise data, the types of homes available, and how to shortlist one.

Old age homes in Maharashtra: the numbers by source

Takeaway: For everyday families, the realistic pool of trusted, findable old age homes and senior living communities in Maharashtra runs into the hundreds, not dozens. The 57 government homes are mainly for destitute and low-income seniors; most families searching today are looking at charitable and private options.

Why there is no single "correct" number

The count changes depending on who is counting and what they define as an "old age home." Three things cause the gap:

• Government vs. private. The government only tracks homes it funds. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has stated that data on privately managed old age homes is not maintained centrally. So official figures always understate the real total.
• Definition. Some lists count only charitable homes for destitute seniors. Others include paid assisted living, retirement communities and post-hospitalisation care homes under the same umbrella.
• Data source. Government registers, NGO directories and Google-listing scrapers all produce different totals.

This is why you will see figures from 57 to 693 for the same state. All of them are "right" — they are just measuring different things.

The government scheme, explained

Maharashtra's "Old Age Home" scheme began in 1963 and runs through voluntary organisations. Under it, 33 grant-based homes admit men aged 60+ and women aged 55+ who are destitute, homeless or disabled, with a monthly nourishment grant per resident.

A second scheme, Matoshree Old Age Homes, started in 1995. It runs 24 homes without government grants, each with an approved capacity of about 100 residents. Seniors with an annual income above ₹12,000 pay a small monthly fee; those below it stay free.

These are welfare homes. They are different from the paid assisted living facilities and retirement communities that most urban families consider today.

City-wise picture: where old age homes are concentrated

Old age homes in Maharashtra are spread across nearly every district — Ahmednagar, Amravati, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Palghar, Pune, Ratnagiri, Satara, Solapur, Thane and more. But supply is heavily concentrated in the big urban centres, where demand and paying capacity are highest.

• Pune is Maharashtra's strongest senior living hub, with a large mix of charitable homes and modern paid communities. Families comparing options here can browse verified senior living communities in Pune.
• Mumbai and the MMR (Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road) have long-established charitable homes and premium senior care centres. See listed old age homes in Mumbai.
• Nagpur and Nashik anchor the Vidarbha and North Maharashtra clusters, with a strong base of charitable and NGO-run homes.

The bigger context: why demand is rising

• India had about 104 million people aged 60+ in the 2011 Census. This is projected to cross 300 million by 2050.
• Nationally, India is estimated to have 1,200–1,500 old age homes as of recent counts, with Maharashtra consistently in the top group of states.
• The central Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment reported supporting 551 NGO-run old age homes across India (2021), housing over 16,000 destitute elderly.
• Nuclear families, urban migration and longer life expectancy mean more seniors are living apart from adult children — driving demand for structured senior care.

Maharashtra sits at the centre of this shift because of its large elderly population, high urbanisation and strong non-profit and private senior living sectors.

Types of old age homes and senior living in Maharashtra

"Old age home" is often used as a blanket term, but the options differ sharply in care level and cost:

• Charitable / welfare old age homes — Free or low-cost, mainly for destitute and low-income seniors. Basic room, food and care.
• Independent living / retirement communities — For active seniors who can manage daily life but want community, security and maintenance-free living.
• Assisted living — For seniors who need daily help with bathing, medication, mobility and meals, with trained staff on site.
• Memory care / dementia care — Specialised, secure homes for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia.
• Post-hospitalisation / nursing care — Short-term recovery and skilled nursing support.

Matching the care level to your parent's actual needs matters more than the label on the gate.

How to choose a trusted old age home in Maharashtra

Once you have a shortlist, check these before deciding:

• Registration and compliance — Verify the home is registered and follows the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Membership of bodies like the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) is a good trust signal.
• Care level match — Confirm whether the home offers independent living, assisted living or full nursing care.
• Staff ratio and medical support — Ask about caregiver-to-resident ratio, doctor visits and tie-ups with nearby hospitals.
• Costs and hidden fees — Get the full picture: deposit, monthly charges, and extra fees for nursing, physiotherapy or diet.
• Visit in person — See rooms, hygiene, food and how staff treat existing residents. Talk to current families.
• Location — Closer to family means more frequent visits, which strongly affects a senior's well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many old age homes are there in Maharashtra? 

It depends on the definition. The state government runs 57 scheme-linked homes (33 grant-aided plus 24 Matoshree). Counting charitable and private homes together, verified directories list from about 126 to nearly 700 facilities across Maharashtra.

Which state in India has the most old age homes? 

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal have the highest concentration of old age homes in India. Maharashtra is consistently among the top states.

Are old age homes in Maharashtra free? 

Government welfare homes are free or low-cost for destitute and low-income seniors. Private assisted living and retirement communities are paid, with monthly charges based on care level and amenities.

What is the difference between an old age home and assisted living? 

A traditional old age home usually offers basic accommodation, food and care, often for lower-income seniors. Assisted living provides trained staff for daily activities like bathing, medication and mobility, and is typically a paid service.

Which city in Maharashtra has the best senior living options? 

Pune has the widest mix of charitable and modern paid communities, followed by Mumbai and the surrounding metropolitan region (Thane and Navi Mumbai).

How do I verify if an old age home is genuine? 

Check its registration, ask whether it complies with the Senior Citizens Act 2007, look for recognised memberships such as ASLI, review the staff-to-resident ratio, and always visit in person before committing.