Page 25 - Seniorstoday September 2022 Issue
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backgrounds.
Once they have decided to move to a Senior
Citizen Home (SCH) they should visit a few
SCHs and try to stay in their guest houses for
a few days to get a feel of the place. They also
must talk to some residents to find out what
they think of the facilities on offer and their
satisfaction level before they make up their
mind.
Many new SCHs offer five star facilities
which may not be used by everyone and such
homes are very expensive. It is important
to choose a facility which satisfies the basic a place for them to stay whenever they visit
needs and is available at a reasonable cost. you.
It might be a good idea to retain one’s own Senior Citizen Homes with attached
home for some time and sell it only when one hospices or with facilities for providing full
is fully satisfied with the SCH. Most of the time attenders are alternatives which can be
homes keep increasing their maintenance considered by working couples who have
charges and meal charges from time to time old and infirm parents who need constant
because of escalating costs. Residents must be help and attention. Some children try to have
prepared to face this contingency. full-time attenders at their own homes to look
Food becomes a major issue in the SCHs. One after such parents but find themselves in
has to be mentally prepared to adjust one’s trouble when such attenders take off without
tastes to the menu on offer. In Coimbatore, the adequate notice.
most popular city for SCHs, most of them only If one wants to enjoy one’s stay in SCHs,
offer vegetarian meals and that too the South it is important to be friendly with other
Indian variety. Though North Indian dishes residents. Remember that more than one’s
may be offered on some days, do not expect own children, it is the friends who make one’s
it to be of the same quality that one is used to. life interesting in old age. Besides if one is
One’s choice of food and the city where one friendly with the able-bodied residents in
wants to settle down can also be determining the facility, they become one’s support group
factors in selecting the home. and caregivers in case of emergencies until
It’s better to go for facilities offered by well- the family members come and take over. I
known groups. They have the resources and saw this in action in one of the facilities in
commitment to run the facilities efficiently Coimbatore during a short stay with a friend
because their reputation is at stake. Homes who was a resident, a couple of years ago.
started by individuals or private parties are I would to like conclude this article quoting
not reliable as they can fold up when they face the words of a resident of a SCH: “The two
problems landing the residents, who opted essential needs of every individual apart from
for such facilities selling their properties, in a roti, kapda and makhan are freedom and
lurch. friendship. Both these crucial requirements
If you have children in living in other cities, for healthy and happy living are assured in
go for a two-bedroom facility so that there is the life of seniors in Senior Citizen Homes.”
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #39 | SEPTEMBER 2022 25
