Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

When Mr and Mrs Venugopal visited one of their friends living in a retirement community, they were wowed by the setting and the amenities offered by the gated community. Their friend was not only happy, but also looked at ease. It has been a year since he moved to the retirement community and he’s already made new friends in the community. He travelled to Egypt with them and is now planning to visit the ruins of Hampi. He told the couple “I am enjoying an active life over here. I do not have to worry about household chores, cook or worry about maintaining the plumbing system. The community has a 24×7 maintenance staff to look after maintenance issues. I feel lucky to have found neighbours who share my passion for history. I like to invite them for evening tea and then we go for a stroll in the garden. We talk about history and unique traditions of ancient civilizations. After the walk, we go to the restaurant where the chef prepares delicious dinner for us. Then it’s back to my apartment for coffee on the terrace and lots of interesting conversations. I feel so connected to this community.” The visit to the retirement community left a positive impact on Mr and Mrs Venugopal and the couple is now giving a serious thought to moving into a retirement community. There are many benefits of being a part of a retirement community. The modern-day retirement home facilities help you live in your own apartment or villa, with your own furniture and keepsakes, but without the hassles of daily chores. Free from the commitments of work and childcare, retirement is the time to try new things and travel to new places. Today’s active retirees are not shy of travelling to far-off destinations and living in a retirement community gives them the freedom to do so. They can travel to the places they have always dreamt of visiting without worrying about the security and maintenance of their homes. Retirement communities are monitored 24×7 by security guards and there are CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations to ensure the safety of the community and its residents. “Living in a retirement community helps you travel without the worries of who will look after your home. At my previous home, I had to check and recheck locks on doors, check the window latches and the gas before leaving. Now I can just lock up and leave because I can ring the maintenance and security staff for reassurance if I am worried about something”, noted a travel buff living in one of the leading retirement home facilities in the country. With no kids in the house, seniors are moving from their large family homes to retirement communities which offer amenities and maintenance services that reduce the household workload. Many often consider the move as rightsizing. With no extra rooms or home maintenance chores to tend to, moving to a retirement community lets seniors enjoy an enriched and independent lifestyle. The apartments or villas at retirement facilities are designed to feel and function like a private residence while giving the seniors a host of opportunities to participate in social events like fitness classes, movie outings and excursions. Enjoy a worry-free lifestyle at our retirement home facilities When you live in one of our retirement home facilities, you no longer worry about household chores. Instead of worrying about dusting or cooking, you can pursue your passion, learn a new skill or relax and spend your days with like-minded residents. Explore our retirement home facilities and learn about the amenities offered.

For seniors who love to travel, a road trip is a magical experience. With the sun on your face and wind in your hair, a road trip is a great way for you to unwind and relax. However, if you are apprehensive about taking a road trip because of your age, let us tell you that with proper planning and care you can ace a safe and comfortable ride. Here are a few important things to keep in mind while you are planning for a trip. Consult your doctors before taking a road trip: Get your vitals checked to be aware of your health and ensure all prescriptions are up-to-date and you have adequate supplies of medications for the trip. Check the condition of your vehicle: The last thing you want on a road trip is to be stranded in the middle of a road. Make sure that your vehicle is in proper condition. Our senior citizen homes offer concierge services to our residents to help them hire vehicles for their trips. Schedule frequent stops: Schedule frequent stops to stretch your arms and legs and to get fresh air. Plan your itinerary in such a way that your stops have easy access to public restrooms. Pack essentials: Besides medicines, carry warm clothing, asthma pumps (if you use them), walking aids, and other essential items. Carrying a pillow and a blanket will come in handy when you want to take rest on the way. It is also a good idea to carry food items that will help you maintain your regular mealtime schedule as much as possible. Carry your health insurance documents and medical records in case you need them in an emergency. For a long trip, a first-aid kit is essential. Pre-book your stays: Finding a hotel after reaching the destination can be tiresome. It is always a good idea to pre-book your hotel stays. This way you can reach the hotel and relax immediately. If you decide to move into one of our senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore, Chennai, Puducherry or Bangalore, you can contact our concierge services for your travel-related needs. The team will help you hire vehicles for day outings as well as for long trips. You will also be provided with hotel booking assistance.

Coimbatore, a city famous for its scenic beauty, is a great place to retire. For active retired citizens, the city offers a host of trekking and camping opportunities. It is also home to several famous hospitals where patients across India and abroad come for treatment. The city has a peaceful vibe and enjoys favourable weather throughout the year. With museums, famous spice shops, a lively shopping scene and great restaurants, Coimbatore is a vibrant yet relaxed place to retire in. It has all the facilities you would want in a modern city, while being rooted in its traditions. It is this unique mix of new and old that attracts retired citizens from all over the country to the city. If you too are charmed by the city’s many attractions and have decided to move to a senior citizen home in Coimbatore, here is a list of things you should do before making a final choice: Visit multiple senior living homes in Coimbatore: The city has some of the best rated senior living homes. Before zeroing in on a senior living home in Coimbatore, visit the place personally. Many retirement homes in Coimbatore offer potential buyers a chance to meet the residents which helps the buyers get a real feel of the social life in the community. Find out about services provided, and other facilities and then decide whether it suits your needs. Making a personal visit will give you an idea not just about the senior living home but also the neighbourhood.Our senior living homes in Coimbatore offer independent villas as well as apartments. All our projects have open spaces. The peaceful communities are well connected to Coimbatore Airport. To know more about our communities, get in touch with us. Ask about the services offered: Daily chores like housekeeping, maintenance and laundry can waste a lot of your time and before you know it, they bog you down. The hassle-free lifestyle offered by senior living homes ensure that essential household chores are being taken care of by the on-site staff, giving you time to focus on your health and social life. At our senior living homes in Coimbatore, we offer prompt service with daily and periodic cleaning schedules and customised housekeeping help for specific tasks. We have trained in-house staff available 24×7 for breakdown or maintenance support. In addition to these services, we have Wi-Fi-enabled clubhouses, facilities for indoor and outdoor games, and well-equipped gyms that help you lead an active lifestyle. Review healthcare facilities: Look for a senior living home that provides medical care including hospital access and emergency medical services. Our senior living homes in Coimbatore have partnered with some of the leading hospitals in the city to ensure that our residents get round-the-clock care. We have 24×7 ambulance services in our senior living homes. Doctors are available on call and staff members are well-versed with emergency protocols. Do not ignore safety and security: Emergency alarm systems, trained and skilled security personnel and CCTV cameras in common areas are some of the important features that good senior living homes have. Our senior living homes in Coimbatore are designed keeping in mind the safety and security of the residents. Common areas and living units have anti-skid tiles. The community and individual living units are easily accessible through ramps and elevators. Our apartments and villas are equipped with panic buttons to seek immediate assistance. If you choose to live in one of our senior living homes in Coimbatore, you get more time to focus on the things you enjoy, including pursuing your hobbies and interests, spending quality time with like-minded residents and enjoying indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

One day Mrs Renuka Iyer (name changed) got an email from a stranger informing her that her grandson was in trouble.  According to the email, he was in a car accident which caused severe damage to a lady’s car. “The stranger wrote to me saying that my grandson broke his hand, hit a lady’s car, and would be sent to jail if I didn’t transfer money. I thought my grandson was really in trouble.” Mrs Iyer goes on to say “I couldn’t call my son and daughter-in-law as they were not in India at that moment. I was clueless on what to do as the email id appeared to be associated with a government agency. I transferred the money. I later came to know that my grandson was hale and hearty and that I was conned.” Mrs Iyer was a victim of what is known as a grandparent scam that preys on elder people’s emotions, fears or hopes. Older adults are often targeted by scammers. Experts believe that scammers exploit elderly as they may be isolated, lonely or not tech-savvy. Here are some key points that can help seniors identify a potential scam. Email/ phishing scams: In these scams, seniors receive email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution like a bank, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. If you receive such an email that looks like it has been sent to you by your bank, get in touch with a representative at the bank. Call them and let them know the details of the emails. Email lottery scams: These scams steal personal information and money. Scammers send out congratulatory emails that announce your winning of a lottery or sweepstakes. The recipients are asked to transfer money to receive the prize money. Some are even asked to send the scanned copies of their passports, Aadhar card and PAN card. Often such emails ask you to respond quickly or you risk missing out on prize money. If you receive such an email, do not reply to them, or open any links in them. In some emails, the scammers urge you to keep the information private, to maintain privacy or stop other people from getting your winning money by mistake. Romance scam: Scammers pose as interested romantic partners on social media and con elderly victims. Scammers spend hours online researching about their elderly victims before they send a friend request. They spend weeks or even months to gain your trust. Once you start trusting them, they invent lies about needing funds for urgent medical treatment for their kids, or urgent travel expenses or funds to keep afloat after a job loss. Some of the tell-tale signs of an online romance scammer are: they always find excuses to not meet face-to face, ask too many personal questions without telling you much about themselves and request you to transfer money to their account.

Loneliness and isolation are dangerous for seniors. Seniors who experience loneliness are more susceptible to emotional and physical problems than those who lead an active social life. If your parents are staying in a retirement community in India, they are more likely to stay socially stimulated. Whether it is a group walk in the parks or Saturday dinners, there is much more to do for your parents in retirement community. But however busy they may be, they look forward to connecting with you and hearing your voice. When it comes to seniors, even simple gestures like calling them every day or helping them manage their social media profiles can make the distance disappear. Here are some easy and simple ways to engage with your parents staying in a retirement community in India: Video calling: Help your parents get familiarised with video calling apps such as Skype, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. For many elderly parents, navigating the ever-changing world of technology can be confusing. Be patient while they understand the nitty-gritties of installing an app and making a video call. Call your parents regularly and see what they are up to. Ask them about their friends and everyday activities. Listen to them with an open mind and do not try to speak for them. Also, do not cut them off mid-sentence. Virtual tours of museums: If your parents are art lovers or are interested in world history, help them take virtual tours of some of the best museums and art galleries of the world. They can enjoy the experience from the comforts of their home and gain new knowledge on art, culture and history. Online classes: For many, retirement is a new phase of life. It is a time to try new things, travel to new places and learn new skills. If your parents are interested in learning new things, be it cooking or painting, there are several online classes they can join to satiate their appetite for learning. Help them find trustworthy websites that offer online classes. Visit them: Ensure that you visit your parents at regular intervals. Plan a family vacation every year. Vacations will help you catch up on the important things going on in your parents’ lives. Also, vacations will help them bond with your kids and spend quality time with you and your spouse.

If you wish for a stress-free retirement life spent in an environment which is energetic and fun, move to a retirement home in Bangalore. Why Bangalore, you ask?  Well, the city has a robust healthcare system with high-quality senior care facilities and meets the demands of an ageing population. Also, Bangalore is blessed with huge, sprawling parks, fine eateries, and marvelous architecture. With plenty of volunteering opportunities, galleries, museums, performing art theatres and historical wonders – the city offers plenty of activities to keep active retirees busy and engaged. With so much going on, the city is ideal for retirees who are looking to lead an active life rather than sitting in a rocking chair and watching TV. Why is moving to a retirement home in Bangalore a good decision? The best retirement homes in Bangalore offer a wide range of amenities and services, such as housekeeping, laundry and home maintenance which leaves you free to pursue your interests. For seniors who like spending time in the great outdoors, there are plenty of camping spots near Bangalore where retirees can go and enjoy the hills and lush forests. Our retirement home in Bangalore offers a host of senior-friendly fitness facilities such as swimming pool with non-slip vitrified flooring all around, wellness centers where exercises are conducted by aerobics and fitness instructors and a yoga deck where early-morning or late-evening yoga sessions take place. . Bridge, tennis, film clubs, gardening, art classes, trips to museums or other places of interests – are some of the activities you will find on the calendar in our retirement homes. Of course, it entirely depends on you how you spend your time and how many activities you choose to participate in. Want to know more about our outings, activities and special programs in our retirement homes in Bangalore? Get in touch with us to schedule a visit. Call us on +91 8884555554 to plan your visit.

Gone are the days when retirees spend lonely hours in front of the television in burdensome large properties that were difficult to maintain. Today, seniors want to enjoy their golden years on their own terms. They want homes that are designed keeping in mind their needs and safety and support an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s how retirement communities in India are helping seniors let go of unnecessary stressors such as daily household chores, property maintenance, security and loneliness. Services: The services and amenities offered at retirement communities in India are designed to give seniors the much-needed freedom and opportunity to pursue what matters most to them.  Seniors can enjoy their independence while enjoying onsite services such as 24*7 property maintenance staff, assistance with daily and periodic cleaning and customised housekeeping. The best retirement communities in India such as ours offer facilities like reading rooms, dining area and senior-friendly gyms to help seniors bond with other residents. Residents can take a stroll in the beautifully kept grounds and gardens without the worry of maintenance. Events: Retirement communities in India promote an active social life to help seniors battle loneliness. With onsite clubs and events, outings to local art galleries and museums, musical afternoons, fitness classes, movie nights and much more, retirement communities such as ours help seniors enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. At our retirement communities, there’s a wide spectrum of resident-led activities which include yoga classes, fitness workshops, art and craft classes and spiritual lectures. 24×7 security: For complete peace of mind, the best retirement communities in India offer 24×7 security services managed by onsite staff. These fully gated communities are equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and firefighting equipment to ensure that residents can relax and enjoy their retired lives to the fullest. Access to emergency care: The best retirement communities in India like ours have partnerships with nearby hospitals, giving residents an assurance that medical help is always available. Explore our retirement communities To enjoy a long and happy retirement life that is free from worry, it is important that you select a retirement community that’s safe and secure and offers easy access to healthcare facilities as and when you need them. Have a look around our website to learn more about us or call us on +91 8884555554 and we will be happy to answer any queries you have.

Are your parents looking for the best retirement homes in India? You can make their decision easier by helping them in their search. Here are some handy tips that will make finding a retirement home easier for you and your parents: Get family on the same page: When you search for senior citizen retirement homes, start your search by getting everyone in the family on the same page. Often disagreements between family members can cause problems in the selection process and the family ends up zeroing in on a retirement home that is not right for the parents. Understand the cost of living: Remember buying a retirement home has a long-term personal and financial impact. There are charges that cover maintenance cost and daily living expenses. Check whether these expenses are subject to periodic increases and if yes, then what are the conditions. Also, it is important to consider the future needs of your parents while checking the financial aspects. Take a tour of the property: Before making a life-changing decision for your parents, you and your parents should visit some of the best retirement homes in India. This will give you a better understanding of the retirement homes and the nearby areas. Speak to the residents of the retirement homes to get first-hand experience of community living. Choosing a retirement home is a long-term decision, so do not rush into it. Think ahead and make an informed choice. Check the social calendar: Find out the types of activities conducted by the retirement home on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. A retirement home with an active social calendar will help your parents meet new people and make new friends. From watercolor classes and fitness opportunities to singing classes – most retirement homes in India offer a wide range of activities to meet everyone’s interest. Consider future medical needs: Consider a retirement home that offers skilled medical care. Some retirement homes in India like ours have tie-ups with nearby hospitals to ensure round the clock medical care. We also have emergency care facilities with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place. Periodic health screenings, wellness workshops and awareness lectures are also conducted regularly at our retirement homes in India.

Ageing is inevitable and old age comes with its own set of challenges. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we are doing our bit to identify these challenges and address them in the best possible way. Social engagement: One of the biggest challenges that seniors face is the feeling of social isolation and marginalisation. Staying meaningfully engaged is essential for their physical and mental health. To encourage lifelong learning and meaningful engagement, senior citizen homes in India such as ours schedule activities that allow them to have fun, engage in interesting discussions, and form new friendships. We also offer concierge services so that our residents can take part in off-campus activities without worrying about the hassles of arranging a vehicle or booking tickets. Safety and independence: When seniors live alone, their safety becomes a major concern for them and their family. Moving to one of our senior citizen homes in India will help seniors remain safe and happy. Trained professional security guard our communities 24X7. The common areas are well-lit and under the surveillance of CCTV cameras. Also, there is firefighting equipment on the campus for your safety. Daily living and lifestyle: Seniors who are tired of household chores like cooking, cleaning and home maintenance can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle when they move to a retirement home. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we take care of all daily household chores so that our residents can pursue their passions and enjoy the independence of advanced years without worrying about home maintenance. Healthcare access: Ageing necessitates better medical and health support. As people grow old, they need help to take care of themselves. We have a holistic approach to the overall wellbeing of our residents. From daily stretching exercises to regular health screenings, we provide adequate and continuous preventive care and medical check-ups. Our Healthcare Partner is Columbia Asia Hospitals and we have also partnered with nearby hospitals for round-the-clock care. The emergency protocols are in place and doctors and qualified nurses are easily available on the campus. The apartments and villas in our retirement homes in India have panic buttons for immediate assistance. If you are looking for premium retirement homes in India, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences is India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards.

For Dr. A Sreekumar Menon, a counsellor, writer and motivational speaker, age is no bar when it comes to following his passions. After having authored several books, Mr Menon, a resident of Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities, Bangalore, has organized over 52 lecture sessions on various topics for fellow residents and has delivered lectures himself. Well acquainted with new technology, he keeps in touch with his family and friends through Facebook. Mr Menon is one among many people who have started a new chapter in life after moving to a senior citizen facility. Retirement offers seniors precious time to connect with friends and family. It also offers them opportunities to pursue passions they have always loved. Leading retirement homes in India such as  ours are helping seniors begin a new chapter of their lives in a worry-free environment. Here are a few things that retirement homes in India are doing to help seniors make a smooth transition into retirement: Help them rediscover what they enjoy: Seniors often get so consumed with work and family that they completely forget what they enjoy doing. At our retirement homes in India, a well-thought-out activities program is at the heart of creating quality life for residents. The activities are designed to appeal to their interests and to enhance their overall physical and mental well-being. We have several daily activities like yoga and aerobics classes, art and craft, music classes, language classes and informative workshops to keep them engaged. A jam-packed activity calendar gives residents numerous opportunities to pursue activities they have always dreamed of doing rather than looking back at the missed chances. Creating opportunities for social interaction: When seniors become a part of a community, they find numerous health, fitness, social and spiritual opportunities that benefit different aspect of their lives. Music, dance, theatre, history, spiritual lectures, movie nights, yoga classes and excursion trips are some of the many activities offered by retirement homes in India. These activities give seniors a chance to broaden their horizons and meet like-minded people. Leading a maintenance-free lifestyle: The best retirement homes in India have a full-time maintenance staff on site. The staff take care of the garden, housekeeping and all the little chores around the house, so the seniors can sit back, relax, and enjoy life to the fullest. Also, seniors who are tired of cooking can enjoy chef-prepared meals every day. These are some of the benefits of moving to one of our retirement homes in India. Click here to know about amenities you can expect at the best rated senior living communities.