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
Thanks. Valuable information.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Marietta.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThe aging population is something that is becoming an issue in many places; finding quality establishments that live up to their online hype can prove challenging also. I would be very wary of one that seeks to handle all affairs, though... strikes me there is potential for fraud there! In the end, it is always best to make at least three visits and also, if possible, talk to families and residents there for deeper insight. YAM xx
This one that handles everything seems to be meant for those who are unable to go on by themselves anymore. But you're right, online info is too insignificant for sound assessment. I'm thinking of investigating a few such institutions.
DeleteThis was sad to read.
ReplyDeleteSome inevitabilities have to be accepted though they're sad.
DeleteThese type of homes are mushrooming in Maharashtra too.
ReplyDeleteInevitable, I guess.
Delete