Dear Sir/Madam,
SANTHOSHAM COMFORT & RETIREMENT HOMES
NEWS LETTER 2/2008
Vanakkam. A meeting was conducted at
The Retreat on 23 Jul 2008 for the
residents of Soundaryam and Santhosham Comfort
and Retirement Homes. The meeting was chaired
by Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM.
Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM welcomed all present
and thanked them for sparing their valuable time to
attend the meeting. He said that it was necessary to
take stock of various issues and update the details
for information of all the residents. He highlighted
that the services team will not be content with the
achievements but will continue to strive hard to not
only maintain the standards but also improve upon it.
We are fortunate to get the cooperation and support
of all our residents which makes us to strive hard and
provide better service.
Points from the Management:
Trade Mark Soundaryam:
The Managing Director said that we are getting the
Trade Mark “Soundaryam” Registered and all
our Comfort & Retirement Homes will be known by
this name only.
Generator
• The Generator at Santhosham can only become
operational when more residents move in. Running the
generator with the present occupants is not cost effective.
To prevail over the present electricity crisis we have
planned to purchase 10 nos. of UPS. The same will be
provided to villas on loan till ten residents move in.
However the maintenance cost of the UPS is to be borne
by the resident. This was agreed to by the residents
of Santhosham.
• Once the generator is functional the UPS will
be shifted to Shenbhagam Estates.
Bench for sitting
Bench for sitting
• This work has been completed in the area of
Santhosham and has been appreciated by the residents
• Park work will commence after the 11 houses
under construction are completed
Ayurvedic Centre
• Massage bench has been placed in Ayurvedic
centre and is ready for inauguration. A lady has been
identified for the job and she will be available initially
for one day and later she can come for more number of
days if the response is good. She can massage four ladies
in a day. For ladies oil as recommended by the Doctor
and kadalaimavu (Besan flour) will be purchased centrally
and will be charged in the monthly bill. For gentlemen,
the Doctor is organising the same. Massage Centre will
become functional shortly for which the GM (Services)
will issue the circular after tying up all details.
• The Management thanks the residents for donating
equipments for the Gymnasium. We solicit the response
from the residents and if required, we are ready to
install more equipment in future.
• Cycling is one of ideal options for people
suffering from orthopedic ailments. However those who
are above 65 should consult doctor before going for
cycling.
Mini Bus
• Procurement of a Mini bus for services of the
residents has been planned. The bus will commence its
shuttle service after the occupation of Shenbhagam
Estates as it will not be financially viable
as on date.
Siruvani Water
• District authorities have been approached for
supply of more Siruvani water to Soundaryam. The water
level at Siruvani has come down due to failure of monsoon.
Situation will get better only after Monsoon revives.
As such the possibility for getting additional Siruvani
water is remote as on date. The RO Plant is functioning
well and is able to meet the demand.
Intercom
• Intercom at Soundaryam and Gem Nirmaalayam
is fully functional. BSNL has promised for laying of
lines at Santhosham by next month. In the mean time
VP Marketing will meet AGM, BSNL for expediting the
laying of the lines at the earliest.
• If no action is taken by the BSNL in the next
fifteen days or so, we shall purchase our own Intercom
System for Santhosham
Catering Charges
• There is substantial increase in rates of provisions,
vegetables and fruits. Also the rates of Gas and Milk
have gone up compared to last year. The rate comparison
for one Year was read out by the Managing Director.
Though there is increase in cost of various items, we
have decided not to raise the messing charges and the
present rate will continue as we are able to meet the
expenses thanks to the Casual Diners who pay more and
also we make some money when parties are organised for
Grahaprevesams , birthdays etc!.
Spiritual and Cultural Activities
• We welcome all types of Spiritual and Cultural
Activities taking place in the Activity Centre, which
was built only for such events. It is upto the residents
to organize and take part in it. No one should be forced
and no money should be collected for this purpose from
anyone if he or she does not want to pay. The Management
will not collect any money for these activities. However
we will support and provide all necessary help as we
are the facilitators for the comfort of the residents.
• Residents are requested not to pluck the flowers
from the garden or the avenues or from neighbours’
houses. In order to avoid any hard feelings, residents
all are advised to grow flower plants in their houses.
Vehicle Check
• We have ordered the Security Guards to check
all vehicles entering Soundaryam-Santhosham Complex
after 2200 hrs. Residents are requested to cooperate
with the security guards in showing their identity and
also give necessary instructions to the guests visiting
them.
Medical Centre/ Assisted Care Centre
• When we evolved the concept of Comfort and
Retirement Homes, we did not have much experience in
running these homes. Over a period of time we have gained
experience and have also modified the concept to meet
the emerging requirements.
• The Managing Director said that by 2011 or so,
65% of the working population in India will be less
than 35 years of age and there will be a growing numbers
in senior citizens as the life expectancy has been increasing
over a period of time.
• Diseases like Diabetes, BP, Heart By pass surgery,
knee replacement surgery etc normally affect people
below 65 years. After 65 years, we are faced with such
ailments like Dementia, Parkinson, Alzheimer, Stroke,
Hip fractures, Osteoporosis, eye problems due to Diabetes
etc
• Therefore as we age what we need is not
Super Specialty Hospitals but Super Specialty
Care in the form of Nurse assisted care. Unfortunately,
we do not have any such facility in the form of Hospice
in any of the Comfort and Retirement Homes. The Medical
Centre’s planned in our Comfort and Retirement
Homes are equipped for emergencies and cannot substitute
for a Hospice.
• We need to create this facility in the long
term as all of us are ageing. But, planning must be
done now and execution commenced so that we are not
found wanting in our endeavour to be self sufficient
in all aspects.
• One option is to modify the Medical Centre
planned for Shenbhagam Estates to meet this requirement.
But that complex has only 66 cottages whereas, we will
have 90 villas in Soundaryam-Santhosham Complex and
will be adding more in the land already acquired adjacent
to Soundaryam-Santhosham for which the approval process
has commenced. Therefore, the population in Soundaryam
–Santhosham Complex will be more and may be we
need to create this facility in this area. We can call
it “Assisted Care Centre (ACC)”
and will have all basic medical facilities like duty
nurses for 24 hours, ICU -type cabins, residential quarters
for Nurses, Doctor’s Cabin etc. We will also need
to have permanent Doctor residing in our Complex.
• The residents present whole heartedly gave
their approval for this proposal and it was decided
to plan for the ACC at the Soundaryam
Extension (formerly known as Project Sangeetham!)
• The Managing Director said that while the new
Project may take two years to complete, we can get on
with the ACC once approvals are received and make it
available in say about a year’s time.
Rules and Regulations
• The concept of Comfort and Retirement Homes
has “independence” as one of main principals.
However, when we live in a community, we need to follow
some basic rules and regulations so that we do not cause
any problem to others. The Managing Director said that
the residents are wise, educated and understand their
responsibilities. Unfortunately some minor incidents
in the recent past have not been appreciated by many
and as such we should avoid such incidents.
Labour & Staff
• The problem of labour shortage was explained.
Time may come when we may not be able to find suitable
maids, gardeners, cooks etc as any one who has studied
tenth class wants a white coloured job. Even now the
problem is felt by all industries and this includes
the construction industry. Some adjustments may be necessary
as this problem is becoming universal. While we have
a large unemployed youth, no one wants to dirty his
or her hands if educated beyond tenth class. We on our
side will do our best to get people to work for us.
• Once some one leaves the job it is becoming
difficult to get replacements and this may please be
remembered by all.
Points from the Residents: Points
raised by the residents and the answers given by the
Management are given below :
• Drawing of Ration from the Ration card:
There was a complaint that when ration card
was taken to shop, the staff has made an entry to the
effect that all ration items are collected whereas no
items were bought by the concerned gentleman. Colonel
(Retd) A Sridharan, VSM asked residents to give it in
writing so that necessary action could be taken against
the defaulters by taking up the case to the District
Collector.
• Issue of Ration Card. Residents
asked for allotment of new ration cards. Colonel (Retd)
A Sridharan, VSM said that the issue was raised by the
CEO during a meeting with the District Collector. As
per the rules, residents should surrender their old
ration card at the previous station and the receipt
is required to be handed over along with application
for issue of new ration card. Mr Ramakrishnan said that
by giving an Affidavit, this can be avoided. Colonel
Sridharan requested him to give a copy of the Affidavit
so that we can get it made for all those who need the
Ration Card as Proof of Identity. He also said that
we all are entitled to get Honorary Ration Card only
as we are not entitled to any ration. GM Services
to coordinate the work of getting the Affidavit signed
and handed over to the Company for necessary action.
• Service of Helpers: There
was a complaint that maid servants are not reporting
on time. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM explained the
problems of getting maids and instructed GM (Services)
to look into the matter and ensure that maids are reported
on time.
• Provision of Vegetables: There
was a suggestion that the quantity of vegetables served
must be more as the cost of vegetables are less compared
to other cities. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM agreed
to this suggestion and said that this will be implemented.
• Provision of nutritious food/Balanced
Diet. There was a suggestion that the food
provided requires to be improved in high fiber, legumes,
grains and greens including taste. Col (Retd) A Sridharan,
VSM said that it is upto the diners to choose their
menu as his effort to consult a Nutritionist and prepare
a Menu faced with resistance. Menu served is in effect
approved by the residents. In this regard, he requested
some ladies to consult all as well as GM (services)
and revise the Menu which is acceptable to all. While
so doing the variety in terms of vegetables and greens
can also be considered. Dr Natarajan may kindly help
us with this New Menu which could be balanced diet and
yet acceptable to the palate of all diners.
• Additional Lights: There was
a suggestion for improving lighting at dark spots and
all lights to be made functional. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan,
VSM agreed to it and asked Project Manager, Santhosham
to look into it. Once the Generator in Santhosham functions,
this problem will get resolved as the Gate lights will
function. However, we will improve the lighting wherever
necessary
• Cleaning of Toilets at The Retreat.
There was a complaint that as the strength of the residents
has increased the toilet in the Retreat should be cleaned
twice a day. Col (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM asked GM (Services)
to get the needful done. To the suggestion of maids
cleaning the toilets, he said that maids in Coimbatore
refuse to enter toilets and this is a problem. He said
that he would find a man who can do this job in residents
for which some charges will be levied to meet his services
• Complaint Register: There
was a complaint that minor repairs at Santhosham is
not being actioned upon on time. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan
said that there is a Complaint Register both at Soundaryam
and Santhosham. Complaints with regard to Civil work
in Santhosham will be got done by the Project Manager
and the ones in Soundaryam will be coordinated by GM
(services)
• Catering Staff: There was
a suggestion that during lunch hours, the service needs
to be improved. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan asked GM
(Services) to employ more persons and action on this
has already been initiated. We are also looking into
employing a lady whom we know who can work in the kitchen
as she has catering experience and will able improve
the quality of food further.
• Provision of Water Jug and Tumblers:
There was a suggestion that a water jug and four tumblers
be placed on each table so that residents can use it
without any one’s help. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan,
VSM agreed for the same.
• Mattress for Guest Room: There
was a suggestion that an additional more mattress be
provided in the guest house. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan
agreed for the same.
• Smoke from the Generator: There
was a complaint that more smoke and heat is coming from
generator. Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan asked GM (Services)
to keep the generator doors closed and asked to liaise
with Powerica to check the feasibility of reducing the
smoke by raising the exhaust from the existing height.
• Cleaning of the Road: There
was a complaint that the roads are not cleaned daily.
Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan asked GM (Services) that
roads to be cleaned and checked for cleanliness daily.
Vote of Thanks:
MR SVS Raghavan proposed a Vote of thanks on behalf
of the residents and informed the management that all
of them are very happy with the general state of services
and thanked the Management for their efforts. The residents
who attended the meeting gave a standing ovation to
the Team from Covai Property Centre.
Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM thanked all of them
for their support and valuable suggestions and said
that we shall continue to strive to achieve perfection
in whatever we do. |
