Retirement Homes in Kerala

Three years ago, Kerala was declared the fastest ageing state in India. In the past 60 years, the percentage of people aged 60 and above in Kerala has shot up from 5.1% to 16.5% - the highest in Indian states. I am also one of those booming sexagenarians of Kerala. On top of that, Kerala’s youth are leaving the state for foreign countries. They study whatever course is available to them in those foreign countries, take up some job and settle down there. Their parents will live in Kerala. And grow old. So old age homes and retirement homes and others of the type are in great demand in the state.

There are some remarkably good retirement homes available in the state already. I’m sure more such will come up sooner rather than later. Let me present just a few here. I took an interest in them because Maggie and I are likely to end up in one of those in not too distant a future.

Bless Homes in Kochi

Let me start with one from the city nearest my village, Kochi. “Some call it Retirement, but we name it Bliss,” says the website of Bless Homes. The geriatric-friendly apartments are situated on a picturesque hillock near Aluva in Ernakulam district. They provide three types of apartments: studio apartment of 400 square feet area, one bedroom of 550 sqft, and 2 bedrooms of 900 sqft. The residents will get food, nursing care, laundry service, club and recreation, yoga, etc. An apartment can be owned till one wants it or till one’s death [Right to Live option] or taken on monthly or daily rent.

Felycity Senior Living Homes in Kochi

My quick research threw up a lot of retirement homes in Kochi. After all, Kochi is to Kerala what Mumbai is to India. Felycity has two sets of senior living homes in Kochi – one in Aluva and the other in Angamaly. Both offer independent retirement living with vibrant social activities. Professional nursing care is provided too to those in need.

Ananta Living in Palakkad

This is “a sanctuary from the world outside, yet very much a part of it,” their website declares. These are luxury apartments that foster community living among the senior citizens giving them opportunities to socialize and for recreation in a blissful ambience. They also have different plans which they call Gold and Silver. The campus offers all the amenities required by the elderly like nursing support, nutrition plans, fitness programs, and so on.

Tharavad Homes in Kochi

Just a few kilometres from Cochin International airport, Tharavad Homes provides world class, waterfront luxurious living facilities. The website makes a lot of promises like all other similar websites but it is not quite explicit about most services. Many required details are missing.

Season Two – the best in my view

Season Two, Kochi

There are many other retirement homes in Kerala. The best of all that I saw in the world of the internet is Season Two Senior Living. They have homes in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Apart from providing all the facilities mentioned above, Season Two will help you manage your property, finances, taxes, insurance, and bills. They even take care of the maintenance of your current home or find tenants for it. The enterprise was initiated by Sajan Pillai who lived in California for over 25 years. When his own parents became entirely dependent on others, he understood the importance of giving good care to the elderly. “Today my mother lives in a Season Two senior home in Thiruvananthapuram and she loves every minute of it,” says Pillai. I’m planning to visit the Season Two home in Kochi to get more intimate awareness about it. When I do, I’ll give you a better picture. For the time being, be satisfied with the above one that is taken from their website.

Conclusion

I did this research merely to be aware of the options and facilities available to the elderly who have no one else to fall back on in their old age. The conclusion is that there are many foundations or organisations that provide all sorts of services. There are some which provide palliative care too at nominal rates or even absolutely free. I am sure the demographic condition in Kerala will spawn a lot more such services in many places.

PS. All pics are from the respective websites