Senior citizens in India are increasingly opting for assisted living communities to spend their retirement years. As retirement homes undergo a sea change from their erstwhile counterparts, it is easy to get confused with the various offerings while choosing the right fit.

Choosing the right retirement home or assisted living can be daunting, especially in India, where modern and luxurious assisted living communities are mushrooming in several cities.

How should you decide what factors cater to your specific needs and preferences?

We give you the top eight factors to consider to take an informed decision.

Here are the top eight factors to consider before choosing an assisted living community:

1. Location
You want to ensure your residence is not too far off the city limits, with easy access to essential amenities such as hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The neighborhood should be peaceful yet safe and secure. Additionally, it should be easily accessible by public transport to ensure ease of mobility.

As a group that understands its target audience and their needs, Vedaanta Senior Living prides itself on choosing ideal locations to build communities for senior citizens. Vedaanta has spread its wings in popular cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hosur, Guruvayur and Cochin.

2. Accommodation type
Would you prefer to live in an apartment or a villa? While some seniors love the advantages of apartment living, others want the comforts of an independent villa. An apartment would entail lesser work in terms of upkeep, whereas a villa has larger spaces to maintain regularly. Villas usually include a front yard to grow a garden - a plus for nature lovers. An apartment would be more economical than a villa. So, the pros and cons are varied, and it would finally depend on the lifestyle one is used to or desires.

Vedaanta offers options in both styles in all the locations we currently operate in. You can pick your choice in the city of your liking.

3. Amenities
Amenities can enhance the quality of living to a great extent. Amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, clubhouses, libraries, recreational rooms to play indoor games, temples, grocery stores, and ATMs are a boon when available within the complex. We recommend looking for a living space with amenities you care for. For instance, if you enjoy swimming or working out in a gym, you may want to choose a community that offers these facilities.

4. Recreational activities
Recreational activities are the soul of any community living because they offer avenues to bond with people of your kind and make for a meaningful and satisfying living experience. Seniors must look for communities that arrange cultural, spiritual, and fun events to enjoy a wholesome life. If you are particular about the nature of activities, consider only those communities that cater to your interests.

5. Support staff
The staff at an assisted living plays a critical role in ensuring the well-being of its residents. The community should have friendly and competent staff that cares for and provides the support you need. Additionally, consider the staff-to-resident ratio. A low staff-to-resident ratio ensures you receive personalized attention and care at any given time.

6. Medical care
Ageing often comes with health issues, so it is crucial that the community has doctors on call, paramedical services, trained nurses, and is close to reputed hospitals. The medical staff must be able to provide prompt and appropriate care in case of an emergency.

Vedaanta provides excellent in-house medical support and is tied up with reputed hospitals to provide the best care to its residents. In addition, we organize health camps and check-ups to ensure good health hygiene.

7. Cost
Living in an assisted living community, replete with essential facilities, comes at a cost. You should factor in the monthly charge and additional ones such as maintenance, food, and healthcare. Due diligence should ensure that the expense fits within your budget.

8. Reputation
Lastly, one should not overlook the reputation of a retirement home. Research the builder and read reviews from residents and their families. Most importantly, visit the community and talk to the staff and residents to understand the ground reality. You could even rent a home for a few months to set your expectations right.

Selecting the perfect home for retirement in India requires careful consideration of various factors such as location, lifestyle, amenities, staff, healthcare, cost, and reputation. By doing your due diligence and considering your needs and preferences, you can find the ideal retirement home that offers comfort, safety, and happiness in your golden years.