Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

Retirement homes and birthday parties? Aren’t retirement homes supposed to be grey and lifeless? If you thought so, then let us first dispel a few myths, retirement homes are not old age homes. From hosting movie screenings and music concerts to wellness workshops – today’s retirement homes in India help you stay young at heart. Now let’s look at some interesting ideas to help you host a memorable birthday party. Host a dinner or luncheon: A simple birthday luncheon or dinner feels delightfully wonderful. Having your favourite people around you while relishing your favourite delicacies is a great way to count your candles and blessings. Many retirement homes like ours offer banquet service to help you host a grand party or dinner. Our banquet halls are spacious enough for you to enjoy dining there with your friends and family. For special occasions, we can design the menu as per your preferences. Decorating the banquet hall with streamers, balloons and birthday decor items will make your birthday bash super fun. Host a movie screening of your favourite movie: If you are a movie buff, then celebrate your love for cinema on your special day. You can design your invites to look like movie tickets. Have your guests dress up as their favourite movie characters or just catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen at your retirement home. At our retirement home facilities, we can help you host movie screenings of blockbusters as well as classics so that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Follow the movie up with a nice lunch or dinner. Plan a birthday outing: Visit a museum or a monument, go to your favourite restaurant, attend a music concert, throw an amazing birthday picnic or plan a birthday getaway, there is a lot you can do on your special day. If you are worried about booking tickets and arranging vehicles, many retirement home facilities, including ours, have concierge services for residents. We help you hire vehicles for your impromptu trips. We also provide booking assistance. Fun games equal fun parties: Who said indoor games are only for kids’ birthday parties? To ensure everyone is laughing, engaged, and entertained, host indoor games. Treasure hunt, ping pong, musical hoops, and karaoke can liven up any birthday party. If you’re worried about organising these fun parties, trained and dedicated staff at our senior living communities can help you with this and a lot more. We hope we have given you enough ideas for your birthday bash and you must now be eagerly waiting to blow out the candles and unwrap the gifts.

Leading premium retirement homes in India like ours are dedicated to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of new age retirees. With facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, bistros, lounges with chef-prepared meals and a spa – premium retirement homes in India operate like five-star resorts that radiate homely vibes. If you are planning to move into a premium retirement home in India, here is a checklist that will help you narrow down your choices – Amenities: Many premium retirement communities in India are ensuring that their retirement homes have upscale amenities that one can expect to find in a five-star resort or hotel. Designed to provide the residents with a dynamic, fun-loving, maintenance-free lifestyle, many premium retirement home communities like ours offer concierge services, maintenance support to handle electrical and plumbing work and supervised staff for household chores like dusting and mopping. With a fully-equipped geriatric gym, air-conditioned library, sprawling courtyards and multi-purpose hall for parties – our premium retirement home in Bangalore promotes a sense of community and belonging. Dining: Gone are the days when dining options at retirement homes were associated with bland and tasteless food. Nowadays, trained chefs and dieticians are hired to ensure that delicious and healthy food is served at retirement communities. Food preferences of residents are taken into account when the menus are designed. At Columbia Pacific Communities, there are regular review meetings between the food and beverage team and residents to ensure that the team accommodates all the special needs of the residents due to dietary restrictions or health concerns. Premium services: There are little luxuries that make premium retirement home facilities like ours welcoming. We understand that for some people, it is not just a new home they are seeking, but a whole new approach to life. Our premium retirement communities in Bangalore have been meticulously designed to create a place of well-being that nurtures one’s body, mind and spirit. From beautiful landscaped gardens and yoga decks to spa and massage services – our community is committed to making every day meaningful and fun for our residents. Privacy, dignity, respect and independence are at the heart of our services and we seek frequent feedback from our residents to ensure that we get every single detail right.

Holistic wellness means taking care of one’s spiritual, mental and emotional needs alongwith the physical ones. The best retirement homes in India like ours have joined hands with wellness and fitness practitioners to ensure that the residents achieve optimum health through an integrated approach to wellness.  Let’s take a brief look at how wellness programs conducted by retirement homes in India like ours fuel the mind, body and spirit of our residents-  Physical wellness: Many retirement homes in India have a structured physical activity and fitness program. Our physical wellness programs include: Daily stretching exercise  Yoga classes  Continuous preventive care and check-ups  Meals made to suit nutritional needs of the seniors  Salons to keep the residents looking and feeling their very best (at select communities) Emotional wellness  Human beings, regardless of age, need meaningful personal connections to have a sense of belonging. However, as people age, the risk of social isolation can increase. At our retirement homes in India, we have a packed calendar of social events to ensure that our residents enjoy an engaged and active lifestyle. Here’s a list of some of the activities that we conduct regularly –   Educational and informative workshops and lectures  Well-stocked libraries with active book clubs  Art classes to encourage residents to pick up new hobbies Movie screenings  Musical concerts  Birthday celebrations  Day outings    Common areas like clubhouse are Wi-Fi enabled so residents can stay in touch with their friends and family.  Spiritual wellness  We conduct yoga classes and meditation exercises to help our residents improve their fitness level and connect with their spiritual side. From bhajans and Bhagavad Gita recitations to hosting spiritual talks – our programs are aimed at helping our residents feel spiritually rejuvenated.

When Anand’s parents broached the subject of moving to a senior citizen home, he was taken aback. He wanted them to come and stay with him. But his parents didn’t want to lose their sense of independence. He took a week’s leave and travelled to Chennai to convince his parents to change their mind. However, his parents were convinced that moving to a senior citizen home will be the best decision for them. His parents had already scheduled a tour with one of the communities and wanted him to accompany them. He unwillingly went with them but when he saw the premises, he was surprised by the state-of-the-art facilities such as a senior-friendly gym, swimming pools, restaurants, craft rooms and a well-stocked library.  After checking the premises and meeting with the team and the residents, Anand changed his mind and was happy with his parents’ decision.  Just like Anand and his parents, many people are warming up to the idea of moving to senior citizen homes. Change in perception Sending your parents to a senior citizen home in India still remains a taboo. But with retirement homes getting a facelift, senior living in India is no longer a dull and boring experience. Senior citizen homes in India like ours offer upscale housing experiences with unrivalled hospitality and facilities. From senior-friendly infrastructure to emergency care with 24*7 ambulance service – we ensure that our residents enjoy a comfortable, safe and secure lifestyle.  Senior citizen homes in India offer services like housekeeping, maintenance, power backup and security which help residents enjoy a long and happy retirement that is free from worry. At Columbia Pacific Communities, most of the day-to-day stress of home ownership and maintenance is taken care of by our supportive team. With ever-ready concierge services, residents face no problems while booking vehicles or organising trips. There are banquet services, movie screenings, hobby classes, yoga and meditation classes, community rooms and regular social gatherings to help residents achieve a sense of wellbeing and connect with their neighbours.  We believe in living life to its fullest. To know more about our senior citizen homes in India, visit here.

Gone are the days when retirement homes were considered old age homes and were associated with bland food. Today’s retirement homes in India are offering their residents not just meals but dining experiences. They offer a social atmosphere as all of us have grown up with social events that have always involved food. If you are looking for the best retirement home for yourself or your loved ones, do check out these latest dining trends: Healthy meals with a range of options: Some of the best retirement homes in India are offering menus that include fresh and nutritious ingredients. Inspired from different cuisines, delicious and healthy meals are offered. As many people miss home-cooked food, at our retirement homes, delicious and sumptuous meals are prepared home-style. It is ensured that meals are in accordance with the nutritional needs of the residents. Dining flexibility: Retirement homes these days provide a variety of dining venues. There are spacious dining halls as well as restaurants. You can also order in, to your doorstep. All this flexibility allows seniors to eat what they want and whatever time they wish. A catering staff who listen: With so many residents to please, today’s luxury retirement homes take feedback from the residents. The dieticians and staff work with residents to come up with different menus. Food allergies or special needs are taken care of. At our retirement homes, review meetings with the food and beverage team are scheduled between the team and residents, for direct feedback. Social atmosphere: In every part of the world, food is an inseparable part of celebrations, be it birthdays, anniversaries or get-togethers. Seniors today expect healthy and upscale food options and menus when they are throwing a party or celebrating an event. Our banquet service helps you throw a memorable party. Skilled catering staff: Retirement homes have upped their game when it comes to the kitchen. They are focusing on hiring employees who can strike a balance between healthcare and hospitality. We have some of the best staff members cooking for our residents. These delicious meals are recommended by qualified dieticians to ensure that the food is healthy and nutritious.

Fun and recreational activities are an important aspect of the new-age senior living communities. With more and more seniors wanting to live life independently and actively, senior living communities   in India are coming up with innovative and stimulating activities. From group exercises and art classes to swimming and meditation classes – the best senior citizen homes in India like ours offer plenty of opportunities for seniors to enjoy a healthy and exciting lifestyle.   Here are a few fun activities that senior citizen homes can organise –   Dance class: Dancing is a universal form of human expression that’s known to relieve stress. It is also a great cardiovascular exercise. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent dancing improves cognitive skills. At Columbia Pacific Communities, dance classes conducted for residents help reduce feelings of isolation and boost happiness. Swimming: For active retirees, swimming is an ideal exercise. It’s not only relaxing but also has numerous health benefits. A 2016 study found that swimming can improve lung capacity. It’s also good for cardiovascular health. Research conducted on seniors suffering from insomnia found that swimming improves sleep and quality of life. Indoor games: Indoor games are fun and social ways to improve flexibility and balance. Our retirement communities have activity centers that are always buzzing with games and sporting events. Reading: Reading helps seniors stay mentally alert and in touch with the world. Our retirement homes have well-stocked libraries and reading clubs where residents can discuss and share their opinions with others. Yoga: The health benefits of yoga are numerous. It improves balance and stability and has a calming effect on the mind.  Yoga also relieves pain caused from stiff joints. At Columbia Pacific Communities, residents actively take part in yoga/pranayama exercises to improve their flexibility and overall mindset. For many residents, these classes are also a great way to make new friends. Art classes: From watercolor and acrylic painting to sketching – pursuing art can open one’s eyes to unseen possibilities. It also helps seniors improve their fine motor skills. Many senior citizen homes in India conduct regular art classes where residents create  art in a group and find an enjoyable way to connect with others.      

If you are planning to move to a senior living home in Bangalore, look for a place that offers its residents safe and secure environments. For added peace of mind, the best senior living homes in Bangalore like ours offer 24-hour security and emergency response. Our premium retirement homes in Bangalore are compliant with the NBC (National Building Code) standards for accessible housing as well as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act 1990) guidelines for structure and facilities. For an enjoyable, worry-free retirement life, select a senior living home in Bangalore that offers these safety and security features – 1. Safe bathrooms and rooms: The bathrooms must have grab bars and rails near the toilet, in the shower and the bathtub. The best senior living homes in Bangalore like ours have non-skid tiles in the bathroom to prevent falls. Also, have a look at the size of the bathroom. Bathrooms at our senior living homes are big enough to allow the use of a walker or an assistant for aid. A panic button in every apartment helps to seek immediate assistance, in case of an emergency. 2. 24*7 Security: The community must ensure the safety and security of the residents. Our communities in Bangalore offer 24-hour security. The premises are under CCTV surveillance and the entry and exit of outsiders is closely monitored. 3. Disaster planning: Like any community living, we are well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Equipped with fire extinguishers, we ensure that our residents are aware of the evacuation plans and the action plan in case of a fire emergency occur. Our elevators have an Automatic Rescue Device and can accommodate a stretcher. Also, our lifts are programmed to stay open for longer than ordinary elevators. 4. Medical emergency: The best senior living homes in Bangalore provide the highest standard of healthcare so that every resident maintains a safe and quality lifestyle. Most of the senior living homes in Bangalore have partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure that their residents get round-the-clock care. Columbia Pacific Communities has partnered with Columbia Asia Hospitals to ensure that residents get the right medical care at the right time. From round the clock care by qualified nurses and routine health screenings to 24×7 ambulance service in case of emergencies – we ensure that our residents and their family members always have peace of mind.

Active retirees in India are looking for alternatives to conventional retirement homes. For them, retirement means a new opportunity to explore the unexplored. Instead of relaxing in front of the TV, they want to try new hobbies, start a new career or travel to adventurous locations. To meet their needs, modern retirement homes like ours are redefining the concept of senior living. Our senior citizen retirement homes offer an upbeat lifestyle to our residents that enriches their mind, body and spirit. Our residents love the daily camaraderie with neighbours and team members, enjoy the serene ambience and look forward to participating in wellness opportunities that are specifically designed keeping their needs in mind. Our emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call and trained in-house 24/7 staff available for breakdown or maintenance – give our residents peace of mind. New-age senior citizen retirement homes in India like ours are helping active retirees focus on enjoying their independent retirement life in a safe and secure environment. Let’s look at some more amenities and services designed to cater to the changing needs of today’s seniors – ● Safe and secure housing: Our senior citizen homes are aesthetically pleasing and senior-friendly. All the safety features like panic button and handrails are installed at the right places. We have the latest security systems, CCTV cameras and firefighting equipment installed in our premises. ● Activities: Our activity calendar is designed to help our residents enjoy an engaging lifestyle. Movie screenings, music concerts, lectures and workshops are some events that are hosted regularly. ● Healthcare: Nutritious food, wellness programs and daily exercise plans help our residents stay healthy and fit. Vital parameters of residents are monitored periodically. Medical records of residents are kept up to date. Our partnership with nearby hospitals ensures our residents get round-the-clock medical care. Health screening of the team is also done as a precautionary measure.

Mrs. Murthy, a retired professor, lives in one of the best rated senior living communities in Chennai. For her, moving to the community was the best decision she ever made. She lived in a big house with a garden and often felt quite lonely. When her sons moved to Canada, she decided the time had come for her to move to a place where she can enjoy her time pursuing new hobbies. She began her search for an easier and more manageable lifestyle in a retirement community. Today, she lives a worry-free life in a senior living community where she spends most of her time attending yoga classes and learning Carnatic music. She’s made new friends and has travelled with them to new and exciting places. She says, “I am very happy with my life here. I am travelling to different places, learning new skills and have made many friends. My grandkids who currently stay overseas love to visit me here.” Social needs are important basic human needs, regardless of age. To address the social needs of seniors, some of the best rated senior living communities like ours are offering ample engagement opportunities to help residents enjoy a socially active lifestyle. ● Fitness clubs: One great way to help seniors make friends and stay in shape is group exercises. At our senior living communities, group exercises are held daily. ● Book clubs: At Columbia Pacific Communities, there are various book clubs where book lovers can share their reviews about books, discuss their favourite authors and stay mentally active. ● Workshops and lectures: Many seniors look forward to learning opportunities. We organise many workshops and lectures that are designed specifically for seniors who believe there is no end to learning. Positive ageing is at the heart of our senior living communities Read this interesting story on positive ageing by one of our residents, who retired as the General Manager at TVS Motor Company.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world into an unprecedented situation. The importance of maintaining personal hygiene, maintaining social distance and self-quarantining cannot be emphasized enough given the contagious nature of the infection. While older people are more vulnerable to the infection, for people living in senior citizen homes in India, it is important to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in a better way. Here are a few tips that could help senior living communities handle the COVID-19 pandemic better: Empower residents with information: The real threat in the times of a pandemic is not just the infection but also the misinformation. Providing residents accurate and non-judgmental information around COVID-19 is the best way to manage the pandemic. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we raised awareness about how to stop the spread of the virus, what to do if they develop symptoms of the disease, and how to best manage their health and well-being during quarantine. The information shared with our residents have been vetted by leading medical practitioners. Sense of security: Knowing that the staff at the senior living community they live in is taking all the safety precautions can help residents have peace of mind. Many senior citizen housing complexes have put in place safety measures and hygiene practices. To ensure that our residents are well-protected, the entry for visitors has been restricted at all our Communities. Community staff members are ensuring that all the essential items are being delivered to residents. Stay connected: The need for seniors to remain connected with others has become all the more important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults can adversely affect their physical and mental well-being. To help seniors not feel shut out, our Wellness team encourages residents to connect with their family and friends over video calls. Those who are not tech-savvy are provided assistance. Virtual talent hunts have kept the morale high. Community messages are exchanged regularly so that everybody stays updated and feels like a part of the community. Seniors are also encouraged to go for walks while maintaining social distancing.