Is retirement home a fancier version of an old age home?
The decision was sudden. The senior Venkateshwarans wanted to move out of Goa, where they lived with their son, to hometown Coimbatore. The son was taken aback and wondered if he had not cared enough for his parents. He was worried. The seniors were also not so sure how to go about setting up home at this stage in life, but, they would manage. What prompted them to take this decision? The couple had saved wisely for post-retirement and planned to live life their way, doing all they had wanted to, being with like-minded people, without being dependent on anyone. Does all this sound familiar?
Here is the good news! A new concept of senior living communities has arrived in many cities in the country, giving you different options for housing. Though still nascent, it is nevertheless, showing great promise.
What are senior living communities?
Broadly, we are speaking of a new way of living for seniors, where comfort, safety, security and minimum dependence on others are some of the key features. These are customized for elders and are user-friendly. So typically, retirement homes would have features like 24/7 emergency support, panic switches, wheelchair friendly premises and grab rails, to name a few. There is also an emphasis on the social well-being of the seniors, with regular group activities and events and celebrations organized to make people feel at home. Senior living communities or retirement communities are open to seniors only, usually above the age of 55.
The above features are indicative and may vary with the type of senior living accommodation. At present, the choices available in the market for senior living include independent apartments, independent retirement homes, assistive care homes, and nursing care homes. All About Seniors have compiled some details on the subject to help you make a more informed decision.
“Antara Senior Living aims to provide a hassle-free, stress-free living. The community has 50,000 sq ft clubhouse which has dining spaces, a bar, library, theatre, indoor games room, indoor heated pool, spa, gym, and yoga pavilion. The community has anti-skid flooring, cove lighting and 1000 standard written procedures elaborating emergency evacuation processes or even how a hot cup of coffee will remain steaming hot when it reaches you.”- Kenneth Sannoo, Marketing and Sales head, Antara Senior Living.
Independent apartments
Unlike regular apartments where seniors have to adjust to what is available, here the apartments are designed with the convenience of the seniors in mind. These apartments are a part of a society which comprises of senior citizens, so like-minded company should not be a problem. The society also organizes social activities, though on a limited scale. Since these apartments don’t offer any additional support, they are good for seniors who are healthy, physically fit and would like to/are able to lead completely independent lives.
Is Indian market ready for retiring home? Read here
Independent retirement communities
These communities offer all the advantages of an apartment system and more. They build upon those facilities, to include specialized services like group travels and weekly recreational activities, among others. Ranging from 1-BHK homes to duplexes, there is a good choice of housing in this option. Certainly a good option for those looking for a variety of activities to keep themselves engaged.
Assistive care homes
Most facilities remaining similar to those above, the distinguishing feature in an assistive care home is the facility of a full-time caretaker for the residents. Older adults, who may be suffering from minor health disorders and need help with routine chores, could explore this option.
Nursing care homes
The concept of nursing and palliative care homes is also taking shape in India. This option is for people who are suffering from serious illnesses. Presently, very few builders are offering this facility, but once demand picks up this segment should see a gradual expansion soon.
Both independent apartment system and retirement communities do not offer a caretaker. Though there are hospital tie-ups, in-house ambulances, first aid support and emergency procedures in both.
Who should look out for retirement homes? Read Here:
Is retirement home a fancier version of an old age home?
The concept of retirement home and old age home may seem overlapping at first. But there are features that set them apart. Old age homes are mostly charitable in nature. The occupants may have to pay a nominal monthly rent, but the major source of funding is through donations. On the other hand, retirement homes are a business model that has been a way of life for seniors in the West. Retirement homes can be purchased or leased. Seniors can also occupy the property on a rental basis. The costs that need to be incurred on retirement home living are not nominal. Most old age homes come with basic amenities like a room, a common dining area, and some basic recreational facilities. However, retirement homes provide a comfortable lifestyle with a plethora of services and activities, giving greater freedom and choice of lifestyle. The Venkateshwara’s, who moved to Serene Properties, a creation of Covay Properties in Coimbatore, are very happy with their decision. “This place is nothing less than a 5-star hotel. We are a society of cheerful and warm people. Everything is taken care of…from arranging railway bookings to regular health check-ups,” Mr. Venkateshwara said.
