Introduction

In this era of changing lifestyle and nuclear family trends, senior members of a family have to face a lot of difficulties. With growing age, our parents become more prone to diseases and accidents. Forgetfulness is another major issue faced by our elderly parents. At such times, our parents need special attention and care even to perform basic day-to-day activities. Special medical care and assistance may also be needed for elderly people suffering from various diseases or for those who have met an accident or other medical emergencies.

Family values and love for our elderly parents may help us in taking care of our elderly parents all by ourselves. However, in some situations, it becomes very difficult and impractical. In such conditions, one may seek old age homes as a possible solution.

The paid old age home in Mumbai provides reliable and satisfactory elderly care. Modern old age homes not only provide elderly care but also help senior citizens to spend a socially active and independent life. Traditionally, old age homes were not considered to be safe and comfortable. However, with the growing number of good old age homes in Mumbai, the care and facilities given by the old age homes have increased a lot.

Another possible way of taking care of the senior members of the family is through in-home caregivers. In-home caregivers are trained professionals who can provide extra attention and care that our elderly parents require and that too at their home. In-home caregivers may be just caregivers who take care of our parent’s day-to-day activities and give them company. They may also be nurses who are trained with medical procedures. Nursing caregivers are ideal for those senior citizens who suffer from any illness or have met an accident.

Top old age homes in Mumbai

The number of old age homes is growing at a high rate in Mumbai. There are many good luxury old age homes in and near Mumbai. Many government-aided old age homes are constructed in and near Mumbai that provides help and support to the seniors with weaker financial conditions. Paid old age homes are considered to be better as they provide better facilities and care.

Luxury old age home in Mumbai provide various facilities which may cater to people with different requirement. Old age homes in Borivali West provide well furnished and maintained apartment that helps the senior citizens in spending a comfortable life. Old age homes in Andheri east and west are known for their excellent nursing care. Many old age homes at Mira road offers libraries, prayer hall and other recreational facilities to provide the seniors with a socially active life. Some old age homes at Mulund and some old age homes at Vasai are specially made to serve NRI’s.

Why choose caregivers instead of old age at home?

When our parents grow old they tend to become weaker and forgetful. At this elderly age, they require special care and attention, and in some cases nursing too. Taking care of our elderly parents ourselves may sound very loving and caring, but, it sometimes becomes very difficult. In some cases taking care of yourselves may not even be possible as your parents may need special nursing.

Earlier, old age homes were the only possible solution to such a situation. However, nowadays in-house care has become more popular and convenient. There are many benefits of an in-house caregiver over old age homes, some of which are listed below.

• Safe and comfortable: Old age homes in Mumbai nowadays are very well maintained and fully equipped. However, the comfort of a home can’t be matched. Furthermore, elderly people feel safer at home compared to any other place. Elderly people generally have weaker eyesight, for them, home is a familiar place and thus, it is not very difficult for them to move around at home. Relocating them to an old age home may be stressful and uncomfortable for them.

• Freedom: Old age homes follow certain rules and regulations to maintain the schedule and avoid confusion. However, elderly people don’t like to give up their freedom and abide by the rules. On the other hand, in-home care gives them the freedom and independence they need.

• One-on-one care: Old age homes have a large number of people and have limited caregivers. Each caregiver has a certain number of people to look after. On the contrary, an in-home caregiver can focus on his/her task better as they have only one person to look after.

• Quicker recovery: Researches show that people tend to recover faster when they are at home compared to hospitals or nursing homes. Seniors who have met an accident or had surgery may be taken care of at home by in-home caregivers to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. Old age homes also provide nursing care for such seniors. However, in-home care ensures that our seniors are properly looked after and paid attention as required. Moreover, a family member may also involve in caregiving so that elderly parents feel happier and recover faster.

• Longer and healthier lifespan: Research proves that elderly people staying at home live a longer and healthier life compared to those who stay at old age homes. Moreover, the mental health of seniors staying at home is also better compared to the ones at nursing homes. For seniors suffering from some disease, the healing process at home is quicker and more comfortable compared to that at a hospital or nursing home.

• Less expensive: Old age homes provide live-in facilities other than caregiving. However, at home, the charges for the live-in facility are avoided. Moreover, old age home has a large number of types of equipment that need to be maintained and add to the total expense that you have to bear. At home, only the equipment required for your parent or grandparent is installed. All these factors make in-home caregiving far cheaper than old age homes.

Why you may need to enroll your elderly loved one in an old age home

With the breakdown of the classic Indian joint family and change in overall family values, our senior citizens are often left lonely and unattended in the ripe years of their life. With growing financial responsibilities and a fast-paced lifestyle, it often becomes difficult to spend enough time with the senior members of the family or be present to cater to emergencies or daily care needs.

Old age homes are ideal places for those who are alone in their senior years, maybe depressed and suffering from health concerns, as well as face safety risks as a result of staying alone.

In addition to the traditional old age homes that offer regular rooms and care facilities, along with some social activities, many modern senior homes are coming up that offer a fun and busy choice of life, especially after 60. 

Now, old age homes are not looked upon as places where you leave your senior loved ones and shrug off all responsibilities. Instead of being drab and lonely places, these are now considered a happy and healthy way for post-retirement seniors to interact with similarly aged people, make new friends and live a socially strong, active and healthy life. From settling in your loved one for a few days in the old age home while you may need to travel for work or personal reasons, to settling them in for a longer stay where you visit them regularly, there are many options you can choose from.

Even if your senior loved ones live with you at home, staying alone the entire day or just being with grandchildren can often lead to loneliness and depression, as they may not be able to connect with their generation. This can lead to other health issues. In such a scenario, an old age home can be a good choice.

Top old age homes in Mumbai

Here is a list of some of the top old age homes in Mumbai.

1. Vatsalya Old Age Home

Address: Shop No.B-61, Opp. Railway Station, Shanti Shopping Center, Mira Road East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 401107

Phone: 77383 25277

Website: www.vatsalyaoldagehome.org

Facilities: The home caters to 20 citizens at a time. It has additional facilities such as a prayer hall, library, recreational facilities, and even provides for a regular medical check-up.

2. SIES Old Age Home

Address: Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Vidyapuram, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706.

Facilities: Aims at promoting independence and improving dignity. Provides emotional and spiritual support along with physical assistance, and has a medical room, library as well as laundry facilities.

3. Nishkalanka Seva Home

Address: Assagao Pallotine Sisters Institute, Reeswadi, Mohopada Post, Maharashtra 410222

Phone: 99608 21171

Website: http://www.nishkalanka.com/

Facilities:
Provides regular residence to any senior citizen above 60 and within 75 years of age who is of reasonable health. Any senior citizen above the age of 75 and with specific health issues will be cared for as special cases. Residents are provided with 5 meals a day, 3 main courses and 2 snacks, with an option in continental, vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Those who suffer from diabetes or blood pressure will be given special dietary care. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated, along with regular outdoor games, monthly cultural programs, picnics and so on. The home also has round the clock medical care facilities, with doctor and nurse facilities. In addition, it has a tie-up with Ambani hospital, and doctors from the hospital make a weekly visit to check all residents. The staff also accompanies residents to additional doctor visits if required. Rooms are on a twin or four share basis and single rooms may be available in some cases. The home has a canteen, library, TV and recreation room, indoor games, music system in each room, garden and walking area, lift facility, hot water facility, and solar lights.

4. Adharwad Old Age Ashram in Mumbai

Address: Sardar Gurucharan Singh Kocher Marg, Sector 16, Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400709

Phone: 98678 02089

Website: http://www.adharwad.org/

Facilities: Residence for 20 elderly at a time, has round the clock trained staff with medical knowledge. Residents are provided with meals and snacks, which are mainly Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and Jain food. A regular medical check-up is provided for, with special care for those who have any specific health condition. Daily exercises are also part of the routine.

5. BHN Old Age Home

Address: Bungalow no. 3, King Palace Society, Next to Udipi Shree Palimar Mutt, Behind Bharat Petrol Pump, Opp Tunga Hospital, Mira Bhayender Road, Mira Road (E) Thane; 401107, Maharashtra.

Phone: 9167084443, 9167184445, 9920833386

Website: http://bhnhealthcare.com/Oldage-Home.aspx

Facilities: Stay facilities are available for a night, for a few days, a few weeks, or even months at a stretch. Fully-furnished apartment, phone and cable TV, 3 meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, laundry, daily assistance and nursing care, regular social events, medical facilities and more.

Home health care for senior citizens: A better alternative

While it is true that many good old age homes are now coming up in the country, there can be no comparison to getting the best of care and attention in the comfort of your own home, especially when you are looking at care options for your senior loved ones.

1. Cost-effective
   

   While this may not be your number 1 priority, getting home care is indeed cost-effective as compared to settling your senior family member in an old age ashram in Mumabi. A home caregiver will provide all services in the comfort of the home, which will cut down the costs related to property, maintenance, multiple staff costs and so on, that are associated with an old age ashram in Mumbai.

2. Social interaction within family
   

   When you hire senior home care, you provide care and assistance to your loved one even while they are in constant touch with their loved ones. Being in your own home along with your loved ones can have a positive influence on overall health, and while your senior member will be in medically and professionally trained hands, he or she will also be surrounded by the love of family members.

3. Maintain a familiar lifestyle
   

   It is true that an old age ashram in Mumbai will take good care of your family member, but there is nothing as comforting as being in your own home and maintaining your own lifestyle. For instance, waking up in the same room every day, seeing familiar faces and places around and being able to perform regular activities, but maybe with assistance now, can have a comforting effect on your loved one.

Helping your senior family member bond with a caregiver

1. Explain How A Caregiver Can Help
   

   It is important for your loved one to agree to homecare and be open to receive care and treatment. Otherwise, it can be tough for the caregiver to provide the best service. Talk to your loved one and tell them how a caregiver will help speed up recovery and take care of basic needs.

2. Be Patient And Understand Your Family Member’s Concern
   

   It is natural for your senior loved one to be apprehensive about being looked after by an outsider. Hear them out to understand what the concern or fear is. Explain that you will make sure all the requests and requirements are taken care of and followed accordingly.

3. Share All Past And Present Medical Health History With The Caregiver
   

   In order for the caregiver to provide the right care and treatment, share all health-related information, from the past as well as present medical files. Update the caregiver about any cases of allergy or wrong treatment or diagnosis that may have happened in the past. If your family member has an issue with something specific, or if you had hired a caregiver in the past but it did not work out, discuss it to help the caregiver provide solutions for the same.

4. Let The Family Member And Caregiver Spend Some Time Together
   

   Your senior family member will spend the most time with the caregiver, so make sure they get some time to talk and understand each other. Meeting your family members will give the caregiver a chance to understand their preferences better and will also help the patient get comfortable and open to the idea of hiring a professional caregiver.

How Care24 can help

At Care24, we have experienced and reliable caregivers they are well trained in taking care of elderly persons and healthcare practices. This help the elderly family member to recover fast and make them feel more comfortable at home.

The caregiver maintains a care plan according to the requirement and the health of an elderly member, this helps them to take proper care. You can be at ease and carry out your own daily activities and responsibilities without worrying about the elder member of your family and completely rely on our team. Our team ensures that your family member gets the respect, care, and attention they deserve.

At Care24, our experienced and reliable caregivers are trained to make use of technology as well as various healthcare practices. As a result, they can help your senior family member recover faster and more comfortable at home.

The caregiver will help customize a care plan depending on your loved one’s requirements and health. It will help you take care of your own daily routines and responsibilities without worrying about looking after your senior family member or not being able to give them enough time. Also, with the assistance of trusted caregivers, you will be able to ensure that your family members get the respect, care, and attention they deserve, along with meaningful and enjoyable companionship.

You can book an appointment with our trained staff to know more – http://care24.co.in/services/elder-care