Coimbatore: Senior citizens at retirement homes and communities stay strong physically and mentally in spite of COVID-19. More than 3,000 senior citizens who are residing at retirement communities have made the city proud by staying strong both physically and mentally.
Coimbatore: Senior citizens at retirement homes and communities stay strong physically and mentally in spite of COVID-19. More than 3,000 senior citizens who are residing at retirement communities have made the city proud by staying strong both physically and mentally.
COVID-19 virus outbreak has heavily affected the living of the public. The present relaxation given by the state and the Ministry of Home Affairs have come as a big relief to all. But for the past five months since March every day was very challenging to the senior citizens especially who are residing alone and as couples at various Retirement Communities established across the district.
In spite of the crisis, thousands of senior citizens continued to stay strong both physically and mentally. Kalpakkam, Department of Atomic Energy, Former scientist, K. Varatharajan said,"I am a resident of 'Tapovan' Retirement Community established in the outskirts of the city. I am also the past secretary of 'Tapovan'. There are nearly 100 senior citizen care centres across the district out which 30 to 35 charge the residents a fee. Non-fee types are called "Old Age Homes".
He said, "More than 2,000 residents are staying in the payment type retirement communities established across the district. Most of the residents have selected the retirement community on a voluntary basis. Since many served in various prestigious jobs in both state and central governments, after retirement we all wanted to spend our lives peacefully. Children of most of the residents stay abroad and in various other states in India."
He said prior to 'COVID-19, all the residents' life was comfortable since they were able to travel to their children's house and in return their children and their grand children were also able to meet them in person whenever they wished. The virus outbreak followed by the lockdown badly hit their normal life. They were worried about their children and their children were much worried about their parents' well being.
He said, online facilities played a major role in bridging the gap between parents and children. He added, "Since most of the residents are aged, we all were more cautious in implementing and following the guidelines given by the government. With God's grace, in our complex we did not face much problems. One of the attendants who was taking care of an elderly woman suddenly went back to his home after hearing the demise of his grandfather. With the help of the administration and a staff nurse, we managed to provide the care for that elderly women continuously.``
He further added that, "Regular blood tests, sugar tests, temperature and oxygen level measurements etc were continued to all residents with the help of a staff nurse who was appointed inside the complex on a 24 x 7 basis. Temperature and oxygen level measurements are done for the outsiders visiting for various purposes such as repair and maintenance work, vegetable and fruit vendors. Outsiders without masks are not allowed and are advised to use sanitizers."
He said, there were only very few incidents in which some residents in our community were taken to a hospital inside the city with the help of the vehicle which they have inside their complex, but they all have somehow managed to face the crisis without much difficulty. It is to be highlighted that mental hygiene of the senior citizens was maintained by encouraging social interaction among them with the precautions like social distancing, wearing of masks etc.
They also mentioned with gratitude and due appreciation that catering services by their food service contractor was very efficient and added even though they had confidence and stayed strong both physically and mentally, all credit went to the Almighty for His blessings without which it would not be possible.
'Tapovan', Senior citizens foundation, Promoter cum Chairman, M. N. Varadarajan, Secretary, R. Subramanian, Ex-President, S. Chellapa said, "From March we were strictly following the government orders which were published at regular intervals. All the residents continued to contribute their share which not only helped us to be safe but also ensure that all employees who are working inside our campus did not have any financial crisis. It is God's blessings which have helped no one to get affected till today (both residents and employees). We continue to educate our senior citizens about the need to stay home as much as possible and to go out only if it is absolutely essential."
He said, "After the restrictions were lifted partly, some of our residents returned from abroad and various other states. We created a separate quarantine centre. After the panchayat official examined and verified the test results, residents were allowed to occupy their house. City Union bank helped us by sending mobile ATMs to our campus frequently. Social distancing has been ensured inside the campus at all places. With the help of the hospital nearby and nurse in the complex, we managed to provide medical facilities to all residents ensuring that regular check-ups do not get affected."
He further added that the cooperation by all the staff working in their complex should be acknowledged with due gratitude. He said, "With all the facilities provided, residents here are living happily and we hope soon things will be alright. We all pray for it."