Dr Shobhana Lekshmy had long dreamt of building a retirement home for doctors, where they could use their medical skills to help the community around them. As a palliative care specialist at Amrita hospital in Kochi, she had seen hundreds of aged patients leading lonely lives, their children settled elsewhere. Dr Jeeji Palocaren, head of biochemistry at MOSC Medical College in Kolenchery, near Kochi, had observed a similar phenomenon. She saw many of her colleagues retire at 65 and get bored at home, despite the fact that they still had so much to contribute to society. Both doctors were determined not to succumb to the same fate after retirement.
They happened to meet each other two years ago, and instantly connected. Thus was born their dream project—a retirement home for doctors. The home, which will be located on the Edappally-Pukkattupady road, will be nestled in one acre of greenery, with high-tech, age-friendly facilities like a canteen, laundry service, movie theatre, swimming pool and gym. Most important, it will include an outpatient clinic, where doctors can treat those who seek their services. “The OP clinic is a win-win,” says Palocaren. “On the one hand, it allows the needy in society to access subsidised medical care. On the other, it helps doctors keep themselves occupied, and contribute positively to society.” Also, the apartment will be only five minutes away from a lively hub of restaurants and shopping centres.
The founders are firm about one thing—that the apartments are retirement and not old-age homes. In Kerala, old-age homes are seen as a shelter for the aged who are sick and bed-ridden. “There is a big difference between a retirement home and an old-age home,” says Lekshmy. “Ours will be a luxurious community where doctors will be united by a purpose—to make the most of their post-retirement lives. We want people to move to our retirement community when they are still healthy and able to contribute to it.” The community will have assisted living facilities to help doctors who subsequently become bed-ridden.
The project is open to doctors between 50 and 70 years. “We have got enquiries from chartered accountants, engineers, and lawyers as well,” says Lekshmy. “But for now, we are limiting our membership to doctors.” The cost of the apartments range from Rs30 lakh to Rs50 lakh. “For doctors in our community,” says Palocaren, “life will begin at 55, in the company of friends.”