Ageing gracefully
AS we grow older, we become dependent on others to get our daily chores done and can easily feel isolated due to a lack of social interactions.
Loneliness has been proven to lead to depression, which is the cause of various health problems such as high blood pressure, and can even cause early death among the elderly.
Even though Asian culture dictates that we take care of our elderly parents when they cannot do so themselves, it is difficult to accompany and keep an eye on them 24/7 because of work and other responsibilities.
A ray of hope for the elderly and their family members is the Rei Seraya Residence, which will offer the affluent elderly of Malaysia the opportunity to lead an independent lifestyle while receiving necessary assistance.
The name Rei Seraya perfectly describes what this elderly residence is all about. Rei means trust and respect in Japanese, while Seraya, also known as Meranti, is a durable wood that symbolises care, community and strength.
Designed by a renowned Australian architect who specialises in creating spaces that cater to the needs of the elderly, Rei Seraya Residence has features such as switchboards that are placed at a lower level for easy access from the wheelchair, shower seats in bathrooms and sliding doors for easy wheelchair access.
The first of its kind in Malaysia, this luxurious senior living community combines functionality and aesthetics. This development is a joint effort of UEM Group Bhd, Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd and Medical Care Services Inc (MCS).
Once completed, Rei Seraya Residence will be operated by MCS, a leading provider of senior living in Japan with more than 300 elderly living facilities in China and Japan.
There are 300 units comprising 100 assisted units and 200 independent units. Each assisted unit features 300sq ft (27.9sq m) of space, an en-suite wheelchairfriendly bathroom and low to high assistance service.
The independent units are 900sq ft (83.6sq m) two-bedroom apartments that come equipped with an en-suite wheelchairfriendly bathroom, a living room and a kitchen. Residents of the independent units can enjoy access to reception and concierge services as well as common spaces that are regularly cleaned and maintained.
Comprehensive care
With 15 years of experience, MCS is dedicated to providing the best elderly care. The kind of services provided to assisted unit residents will range from daycare to respite and palliative care.
Facilities for residents of the assisted units include a gymnasium and consultation and therapy rooms. Healthy and sumptuous meals are also provided.
Not to be overlooked, the independent unit residents will receive care in the form of delicious healthy meals for special diets, regular monitoring of health and assistance in completing daily chores. An exercise and wellness centre is available to keep them fit and active.
A sense of community
With progressing age, people tend to feel more isolated. This could be caused by physical immobility or not being the hub of the family anymore.
Leaving the workplace and death of a spouse are other factors that add to this feeling of loneliness.
It has been proven time and again that social interaction and being part of a community promote good mental health.
In the case of elderly individuals, social interaction helps keep the mind sharp while also boosting the overall mood.
Keeping this in mind, Rei Seraya Residence aims to encourage companionship and make the elderly feel belonged by providing plenty of options for social interaction among the residents.
The community facilities at Rei Seraya Residence include common spaces such as indoor and outdoor lounges, a movie/karaoke/hobby lounge, a library, Internet kiosks and a garden barbecue area where residents can find and interact with like-minded people.
There is also a multipurpose event hall for the assisted living residents, and outdoor exercise spaces and a rooftop garden for the independent living residents where they can interact with each other. Activities will be organised all year round to engage the residents.
Convenient location
Rei Seraya Residence is strategically located next to Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur hospital, offering quick access in case of medical emergencies.
The residence is easily accessible via Jalan Ampang and Jalan Nipah, so family and friends can visit regularly without much hassle.
Safe and sound
Rei Seraya Residence will be operated by MCS, a leading provider of senior living in Japan with more than 300 elderly living facilities in China and Japan.
Rei Seraya Residence understands that security is one of the biggest concerns of individuals wherever they live, what more when it involves the elderly.
The security features at Rei Seraya Residence include a 24-hour response system and 24/7 guarded gates.
Each unit is equipped with highend Internet of Things (IoT), which consists of:
Noise detector – This helps caregivers provide the required healthcare by following noise patterns in the unit while also alerting them of a probable fall.
Motion sensor – If no motion is detected for a certain amount of time, the caregiver would receive an alert to check on the resident immediately.
Key with sensor – Coupled with the motion sensor, the key with sensor can detect a possible break-in.
Rei Seraya Residence prioritises safety in the common areas by installing grab rails at regular intervals, ensuring longer door opening intervals in lifts and minimising sharp edges.
Clutter in the common and private spaces is kept to a minimum to avoid bumping and tripping.
Rei Seraya Residence is a dream come true for senior Malaysians who crave companionship and stimulation in their golden years. It offers luxury, assistance and community living alongside unbeatable security.
It is a complete package solution for seniors, offering peace of mind to the family while providing an engaging lifestyle for the elderly.
Visit the Rei Seraya Discovery Gallery to know more about Rei Seraya Residence. The gallery is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.