There are many reasons why seniors think of moving into a senior citizen home greater security, more companionship, maintenance-free lifestyle or easy access to support and healthcare. However, picking the right senior citizen home is very important as it’s a life-changing decision. If you are planning to move to a senior citizen home, it’s a good idea to see the facilities by yourself. There are many senior citizen homes in India that provide you with a guided tour. Here we discuss some important factors that you should consider when you visit these senior living facilities: What facilities are available? When you visit the senior living facilities, make sure they look neat and clean. Ask how often housekeeping is provided in the personal living space. Get full details on the types of maintenance provided and the estimated response time. Ask for all the details regarding the monthly cost. Our senior living facilities, our trained in-house 24/7 staff ensures that all maintenance and repair work are timely identified and fixed. This may include plumbing, air conditioning and electrical problems. Can family and friends stay over? People love to have their families and friends over. The rules of the community may differ from one senior living facility to another. At our senior living communities, not only can family and friends stay over, but residents can also host get-togethers and movie nights for them. How does the social calendar look? It’s a good idea to schedule your tour in such a way that you get to attend community events. Take a look at the community calendar of events. Social calendar at our senior citizen homes is packed with activities such as yoga classes, aerobics, music lessons, workshops, and cultural events. Are any meals provided? Leading senior living facilities like ours offer communal dining as well as doorstep food service. When visiting communities, it is important to discuss and learn about dining hours and food choices. Check out the dining hall – it is not only a great way to sample the food, but also opens up a great opportunity to meet some of the residents. What is security like? Safety and security are important factors to keep in mind. Make sure that the bathrooms are senior friendly and have grab bars at convenient locations. Check if the community gates are being manned by security personnel 24×7. Is there an emergency call system? Ask how residents contact the staff if they have an emergency. At our senior living facilities, there is a panic button in every dwelling unit so that immediate assistance can be sought without any delay. How close are medical facilities? As you are touring the facility, make sure you ask about the medical facilities available on the premises. Also, check how far the nearest hospital is. At our senior living facilities, on-site medical assistance is easily available, and we also have tie-ups with leading hospitals for round-the-clock medical care. How do residents move around within the community? If the senior living facility is spread over acres of land, then ask about intra-community mobility facilities. At our select senior citizen homes, buggies are available to help our residents move within the community.

There is a growing body of evidence which shows that following creative pursuits can significantly improve our sense of wellbeing. A recent study commissioned by BBC Arts found that time spent on pursuing creative activities can have a huge effect on the way we manage stress and face new challenges. Also, when we nurture our creative pursuits, we build more confidence which has the power to push us out of our comfort zones and take chances. This applies to people of all ages, young as well as old – which is why today’s senior living facilities are helping their residents nurture their creative sides.. With a calendar filled with community activities based on residents’ creative interests and hobbies, senior living communities in India are motivating their elderly residents to pursue their passions in unique ways. Music and dance classes: For many seniors, music is much more than a song or a symphony. It’s a mood-enhancer and can significantly reduce stress levels. According to a study published in PLOS One, listening to music has a relaxing effect on our mind. Dancing is also known to boost one’s mental wellbeing; it releases oxytocin, a ‘happy’ hormone that floods our system and helps us relax. Many senior living communities in India like ours host dance workshops and music classes to help residents learn new musical instruments or dancing steps. Book clubs and well-stocked libraries: Reading offers us a much-deserved escape into our imaginations, inviting us into worlds of limitless possibilities – and it’s proven to be good for our mental and physical wellbeing. In fact just six minutes of reading is found to be helpful in reducing stress levels, as per a study by the University of Sussex. Libraries play an important part in the wellbeing of our residents and form the hub of our communities. Columbia Pacific Communities have wi-fi enabled libraries which feature collections of fiction, non-fiction books, movies, CDs and more. Craft workshops: Engaging in mindful activities like pottery or sewing can help seniors focus on their thoughts and feelings, which can boost their mental health. It also gives them an enormous sense of accomplishment. At our senior living communities, residents have opportunities to participate in various art and craft workshops. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest in peaceful and connected communities. To schedule a tour of our facilities, call us on  +91 8884555554.

Choosing a senior living option in India is a big decision for you and your loved ones. There are many factors that you have to take into consideration. But with so many housing options for seniors available in India, it may feel a tad overwhelming to find the right one for you or your parents. Options range from retirement homes to nursing homes. Knowing about them can help you narrow down your choices:       1.Retirement homes with independent living: Senior adults who are active and wish to live independently can opt for a retirement community with independent villas or apartments. This option allows seniors to live on their own. Many retirement homes provide services like housekeeping, laundry, dining options and maintenance of the property. Emergency care is available on the premises. A range of recreational activities is also offered.  Our retirement homes have independent apartments and villas. The cost of our retirement homes in India can vary from Rs 30 lakh for a small one BHK apartment to over Rs 1 crore for a larger three BHK apartment in the same community. You can check our FAQ section here    2.Nursing home: For those who require a high level of medical care, a nursing home is a good option. Like in assisted living, seniors are offered facilities like meals, transportation, housekeeping, laundry services and help with basic activities. They also get medication management and 24-hour supervision. Those requiring help with personal care will be provided assistance.     3.Respite care: Respite care is a helpful option for those who are recovering from a surgery or a serious illness. As respite care is a short-term arrangement, it can be sought at home, a healthcare facility or an assisted living home. Respite care is a good option when the primary caregiver needs a break from the demands of caregiving. Respite care homes give patients a safe and supportive environment that helps them recover fast. Meals, medication, assistance with bathing, grooming and laundry are some of the services provided at most respite care homes.     We hope you find this information handy when looking for a senior living option.