9 Considerations When Selecting a Senior Living Community
Introduction
The joint family system in India provided a lifestyle that had never given much thought to the care of the elderly in their golden years. The seniors lived a well-cared-for life in the family, where they provided guidance and shared their life experiences with the younger members.
But with the gradual breakdown of the joint family system, the elders have to now modify their lifestyle in such a manner that they are no longer a burden on the nuclear family and, at the same time, enjoy life in their sunset years.
Despite the existing legislation on the subject, such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 and schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, senior living is becoming increasingly popular.
Common Facilities in Senior Living Communities
The facilities depend on the requirements of the residents. Besides the common facilities available in any society, the following additional services are made available.
- Medical and Nursing: Round-the-clock nursing and on-call doctor facilities are standard in senior living communities.
- Community Dining: Community dining is the most essential feature of senior living societies, so that the elderly people are spared from maintaining their own individual kitchens.
- Ambulance Services are the must have in a senior living community. They could be permanently on stand-by or on call, depending on the budget and requirement.
- Housekeeping: Day to day housekeeping is an essential and unavoidable feature.
- Alarm System: Every apartment should have an alarm system to cater for emergencies.
- CCTV Surveillance: Well monitered and functional CCTV system is a must in a senior living society.
9 Considerations When Selecting a Senior Living Community
1. Location and Accessibility
This is the number one consideration. Consider distance/closeness to medical centres such as hospitals, emergency services, pharmacies, daily necessities, and transport options.
2. Health Care and Emergency Personnel
Look for other on-campus services like 24-hour help, ambulance services, people on call for emergency services, the apartments are connected to a hospital nearby, and the emergency response systems are in place.
3. Standards of Maintenance and Services
Explain in the agreement whether services such as daily housekeeping, meals, laundry, backup power and water are included in the maintenance charges. Visiting the community and speaking with staff and residents is helpful.
4. Financial Transparency
The agreement should include monthly charges, one-time corpus funds, refund, exit and resale limitations, & transfer fees, etc.
5. Community and Lifestyle
Visit the community to see if recreational activities, community dining, fitness, culture, and social interaction are offered.
6. Safety and Security
The community should have basic security and safety systems, including a gated entrance, CCTV, trained security officers, and efficient visitor management.
7. Developer Reputation
Examine the developer’s previous projects, visit past projects and talk to the residents there. The actual gamut of facilities and the problems faced will be evident with such interaction. And consider the developer’s overall track record.
8. Exit and Succession Planning
Enquire about the points like inheritance for legal heirs, resale periods, lock-in periods, and circumstances when the resident passes away. These clauses should be consistent with the resident’s estate planning and Indian Family Law.
9. Legal Structure of Ownership
Make sure to know if the model uses outright purchase (freehold/ leasehold), long-term lease model, license model, or deposit-based occupancy. These checks should include land titles, project approvals, Occupancy Certificate (OC) and numerous NOCs as prescribed. All these points should be clearly described in detail in the agreement. For more information on the Agreement for Sale, read here.
Conclusion
Nuclear families have replaced the joint family system. In this way, the elders are left behind to fend for themselves. This has introduced the idea of senior living communities. These communities strive to give the elders in their golden years a dignified life. This is indeed a good thing. However, these need to be chosen wisely, considering the ideas summarised above and those based on the individual needs of their community, such as staying near relatives, etc. Click here for a detailed article on Home Buying in India.
Disclaimer: This article is a source for informational purposes only, and does not advocate for legal advice. Professional expertise is preferred for individual cases.
