The senior citizen care project

A project for setting up of facilities to assure hospitality for retired foreign or local senior Sri Lankan citizens.

Looking after senior citizens in both developed and developing countries are becoming a serious problem. In order to provide overall facilities for those senior citizens, it is intended to establish a centre in Sri Lanka. Some elderly pensioners are looking for relaxation and enjoyment of the environment as they are basically not engaged in full time activities. At the same time, their children are also busy with their day-to-day activities and they do not have adequate time to devote on such an extra work. However, most of those children prefer to get satisfactory care giving services for their parents and are ready to spend a fair amount of money to keep their parents happy and relax with better treatment in safe hands. Also these elders need to have places for healthcare and some treatments for minor ailments while continuing their holidays in such an independent location. In cold climate condition, these elders much prefer visiting and spending time in countries like Sri Lanka. Most of the elderly people in Japan, USA, Netherlands, and England are very much happy to visit Sri Lanka during winter period and getting Ayurveda treatments or oil-based physiotherapy treatment of Sri Lankan indigenous medicines. Additionally it will be designed to facilitate mind relaxation, walking paths, swimming pool, Spa, etc.

Project concept developed by: I. Dissanayake and Sujeewa Nishantha Gamage. A detailed project proposal will be developed once the initial concept is accepted.

Accommodation, Recreation and Gardens facilities

It is expected to locate all facilities within a land extent of 10 Acres with 20 chalets. Out of those 20 chalets, 5 are to be allocated to sick or ailing persons who need special attention with medications and treatments. Those separate chalets will have the facility to keep full-time specially trained caretakers. Other 15 chalets have individual room facilities along with basic utensils and small pantry with attached bathroom (this type of facilities were designed giving the due consideration to the present COVID-19 disease) All rooms face a wide verandah that allows the passage of wheelchairs without hindering seated residents. Most of the land is designed to give an environmentally friendly atmosphere with shades and nicely designed landscape, foot paths, flowering plants and fruit trees which attract lots of birds and human-friendly animals.

The landscaped gardens, waterfalls, flowing waters and ponds filled with fish in front of the verandah are designed to bring pleasure even to the less-mobile residents.

For active residents, the landscaped and well maintained acreage and the large lawn surrounded by paved footpaths offer plenty of space to walk around, exercise and enjoy a restful, relaxed way of life. The less-mobile residents are helped and encouraged by our friendly staff to walk and exercise. In the evenings even the wheelchair-bound residents are taken to the garden by their caregivers.

The dining area overlooks a mini-forest and either side of internal roads and pathways are planted with over 100 indigenous trees varying from tropical hardwoods and medicinal plants in the selected land with a much soothing climate which would be deeply appreciated by residents and visitors alike. These aspects would convert even the less-mobile residents to be fond of bird-watching.

Reader friendly silent serene environment

The residents are provided access to newspapers and an extensive range of books and magazines. There are also several board games on hand for those so inclined. Hobbies such as sewing, painting and handicrafts are encouraged and occasional exhibitions can be arranged.

Food and provision of meals

Bed-tea, Breakfast, Mid-day Lunch, Evening tea and Dinner to be served as buffet or served to the rooms directly (the staff will have to be informed in advance). Mostly the foods are to be local varieties of rice or rice-based foods and curries. However optionally, the guest can order or select his/ her food as preferred. In addition there are Desserts: sweets or local fruits. There is a change in serving the meals during Normal week days and weekends.

Evening

Soup varieties can be obtained every evening. If a resident requires a different item for meals, it can be prepared upon request.

Residents care

Care is the primary objective of this unique arrangement and residents' necessities are attended by the entire staff, spearheaded by the Manager, who is residing within the premises. They endeavor to provide all assistance to ensure that residents lead a healthy, relaxed lifestyle in a friendly environment.

Regular medical services

It is our paramount importance to have a doctor visiting on a regular basis, and our resident staff includes a fully qualified nursing sister. We keep track of each resident’s health condition, and medical records are maintained. Our staff are very mindful of residents’ general health and dietary habits, and ensure that medication is taken properly at the correct time.

It is also needed to mention that according to the Ayurveda treatments, it has been observed that most of our residents have been able to reduce their medicine intake almost by half, possibly due to the regular mealtimes, care given by our competent staff, and the serene atmosphere. The medicines required are purchased by the management at no additional cost, and are included in the monthly invoice.

Around-the-clock service (Medical) care

At the same time, we understand that each person's physical capabilities reduce with age. For residents who need support to perform their basic ablutions, Project Management provides full-time attendants who sleep in the room and provide support for all needs. The attendants are to be trained to make the residents as comfortable as possible, and to ensure that they are well looked after around the clock.

Emergency care

In emergencies, medical attention is only a phone call away. We establish our emergency care unit to usually arrive within 30 minutes in an ambulance, with a doctor and staff ready to handle any emergency. When necessary, the ambulance will transfer the resident to a private hospital, and ensure that the resident is taken care of while the guardians are informed.

Active Living

When residents are active and independent, they are free to lead a normal life, travel, even keep their own vehicle, with the added convenience of being served excellent food with individual tastes in mind, while our staff attend to room, toilet clean and do the laundry. Active residents can enjoy a flexible, independent way of life, while getting personalized support with life’s daily necessities.

Special features

• Independence with basic support.


• Daily room cleaning and bed-making.


• Personal laundry, including washing, drying and ironing.


• Regular doctor's visits and record keeping.


• Purchase and supervision of medication by qualified Nursing Sister available at all times.


• Physically Assisted Living - With the deterioration of physical condition of a resident, we provide necessary assistance, up to and including help in getting around, dressing, grooming, bathing and personal hygiene.

The Medical Doctor

It is necessary make arrangements to visit a permanent doctor and regularly keeps track of any medical conditions. We purchase prescribed medication at cost and our staff ensures proper intake of medicine. Understanding that continuous physical exercise is essential for the resident’s wellbeing, all residents are encouraged to use the paved footpaths and garden areas to engage in mild exercise. Our extensive gardens and helpful staff will assist an elder towards a healthier life. Personal care may vary from mild support for basic tasks, to a full time caregiver sleep-in during the night, or to a full time living-in assistance by a trained caregiver.

Other features:

Sleep-in caregiver during the night, who will help in using the toilet and other requirements. Ensuring proper medical intake from a qualified Nursing Sister available at all times for invalid Care. When an elder becomes invalid, due to gradual deterioration or due to sudden illness, the Care Home is fully equipped to care for such a person while maintaining privacy and individuality. The elder will be placed in a special head and/or leg raising bed with guard rails and a special mattresses. Special feeding tables are used to help feeding in bed, and a commode wheelchair is used to assist the resident's toilet functions. All toilets are specially designed to allow wheelchair bound wash and bathe in safety. There will be an arrangement for rooms which are ready at short notice; by any mode and all you need to bring are your personal items. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals in the dining room, mingle with permanent residents and benefit from housekeeping and laundry services, professional nursing staff and 24-hour emergency response.