Giving shoulder

gIt is a logical expansion of Athashri,which is for those senior citizens who can stay independently. A step ahead,Athashi Aastha is meant for the elderly who require assistance -be it for the household chores,outdoor activities or nursing care,” says Shashank Paranjape,managing director of Paranjape Schemes (Construction) Limited (PSCL),the creators of Athasri-Aastha.

Aastha– a Rs four crore property was launched recently in the premises of Athashri’s Pashan campus. It comes with 25 well furnished rooms with a double bed and sitting arrangement with capacity for couple accommodation. Probably the first-of-its-kind in the country,“The Aastha campus has three nurses in three shifts and two ward boys on each of the three floors along with two doctors in day and night shifts to look after the inmates. The nursing staff is trained as personal caregivers by Athashri Foundation –formed to look after all Athashri units,” Paranjape adds.

The Aastha complex is equipped with a stretcher lift,TV lounges on each floor and a library. “It also has internet facility that can be used by the residents to interact with their family members abroad and telephone connections in their rooms. Healthy meals according to their needs,which include fruits are also provided by us,” says Dr Vijay Rhayakar,resident manager,Athashri who stays in the same campus.

A typical routine at Aastha involves reading newspapers in the morning followed by breakfast,watching TV or walking in the campus,chit-chatting with neighbours till lunch and then rest till evening. “We also have a few volunteers –some residents of Athashri who read out to those staying in Aastha,” Rhayakar adds. Evenings usually involve watching movies or reading. Common celebration of birthdays,anniversaries,picnics to nearby places is also frequently arranged for the residents.

“We understand that above all,residents coming here need to interact with people and express themselves. We make it a point to chat with them whenever needed,listen to them and provide them as much comfort as possible. It is the sense of security of staying here that will make them feel at home,away from home,” says Rhayakar.

Rooms in Aastha cannot be purchased,but are given on rent. They are available on six-monthly and annual rental basis,which can be renewed as needed. Those willing may even stay permanently by paying due charges. The facilities included in the rent are lodging,food,nursing care,housekeeping,transport,internet and primary medical help. The foundation also has tie-ups with Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital,Ratna hospital,Joshi hospital and so on,in case a resident needs medical support.

Future perfect
The organisers further plan to come up with similar residential facilities for those suffering from dementia and alzheimer. Yet another residential project for families having mentally challenged children is also in the pipeline. “While it is still a concept,we are in talks with parents of mentally challenged children about their specific needs,” says Paranjape. We plan to come up with a specially designed buildings were parents can stay with their children. However,the child’s room will be accessible through a common corridor for caregivers when their parents are out. Furthermore,a hostel and a training school that will provide employment skills to the mentally challenged is also being planned as part of this project.