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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
GO NEWSDESK In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a royal dome decree. But not for Jerome Mendes such flights of fantasy. A caring, concerned Jerome Mendes, a non-resident Goan settled in London, is in the process of completing a home away from home on the Verna plateau in Goa. A home away from home where senior citizens can live an active, fulfilled, independent life in a caring, secure and safe environment. The decision of Jerome Mendes, who set up a home away from home for senior citizens, was born out of his concern for senior citizens. Jerome Mendes was moved by the plight of senior citizens in Goa and abroad both of Goan origin and local residents who want to live an independent life in a secure caring environment. The home away from home was conceived for the benefit of doting NRI sons and daughters willing and wanting to give their parents and grand parents the gift of tender loving care but unable to do so due to force of circumstances. Even with the best will in the world, it is not possible for NRI sons and daughters in law living in fiercely competitive western societies to provide the care and the attention that senior citizens need. I have personally seen how lonely senior citizens of Goan origin are in London. The home away from home has also been conceived with senior citizens in the UK and other western countries in mind. There are many senior citizens who live alone and, given the high cost of living in most western countries, are not able to maintain the lifestyle they were accustomed to. And there are those who want to get away from the bitter English cold at least in winter. The home away from home called the St Anthony’s Home aims at transforming retirement into a year around holiday. The home consists of 38 self-contained comfortable senior citizen-friendly independent apartments. While senior citizens will be able to maintain their privacy, the facilities that the home offers will also enable them to live fun-fulfilled, active lives. The home is like a luxury hotel complete with a cafeteria, a swimming pool an Ayurvedic massage center and a lounge where senior citizens can boast of their achievements of their children and their grand children or even occasionally grumble about it. The St Anthony’s Home is located on a hillock providing a view of the sunrise and the sunset over the emerald waters of the Arabian sea. It will be staffed by paramedical workers who are specially trained to look after senior citizens. The home will also offer minimal medical infrastructure so that any contingencies can be taken care of. It will be attached to reputed hospitals in Goa and other states where senior citizens will get preferential care in case of emergencies. For the spiritually-minded, the home has its own chapel and the historical temple just a few hundred metres away. For those who wish to enjoy the sun, sand and the sea, shuttle services to Leonaras Beach Shacks at Benaulim Beach where residents can enjoy the day at the beach as itbelongs to the organisation. St Anthony’s Home is an ideal choice for independent-minded senior citizens and for sons and daughters who wish to provide a priceless gift to their loved ones. |