1. Rethika, can you share your experience in setting up and running Vanchi Poor Fund Ammaveedu? What inspired you to take up senior care?
The story actually begins much prior to what one would imagine. In 1941, then Diwan of Travancore Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer founded the Vanchi Poor Fund with the altruistic mission to provide free meals and to reduce poverty in the midst of the hardships caused by the Second World War.
At first, we gave free lunches to over 42 schools, helping about 2,500 students, and even now, we maintain this tradition through generous charitable contributions—many of which are made by individuals celebrating their birthday or in memory of fond memories. We also assist dialysis patients and orphan children by providing free food for more than 40 years at CHITRA HOME.
I myself have joined Vanchi Poor Fund 19 years ago with a strong sense of community service. Vanchi Poor Fund Ammaveedu, started 8 years ago, a home for aged mothers, aims to give shelter to old-aged mothers who don’t have anybody to take care of them, a place with warmth and protection. The fund is governed by a 20-member committee, with key decisions made by the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Now, as our manager, daily operations fall onto my shoulders together with our staff of six talented employees who bring cleaning, cooking, and caregiving. To me, caring for seniors is more than providing food and shelter — it’s about listening, adjusting, and returning their lives to dignity.
2. What is a typical day like for the residents in Ammaveedu?
Our day begins at about 8:30 am with the residents waking up. We have water heaters in place to offer hot water for bathing, and if any of the women require assistance, staff members help them with the utmost care. After dressing and bathing, everyone sits down for breakfast. The rest of the morning is at leisure for them — some watch television, while others sleep and relax. They have more leisure time after lunch. In the evening, the women take a leisurely walk around the complex, which keeps them fit and active. We also have professional yoga trainers visit them from time to time, which benefits both their physical flexibility and mental peace.
3. How do you meet the medical and emergency needs of the residents?
We conduct routine medical check-ups on a bi-monthly basis to ensure their health is monitored. We also have a 24-hour ambulance facility in the event of any exigency. Our primary concern at Ammaveedu is to keep our residents physically and mentally healthy.
4. How would you characterize the philosophy and practice of your old age home, and particularly how you balance quality care with sustainability?
Our approach is uncomplicated and environmentally friendly. We operate with an ethic of responsible use, wholesome decision-making for our residents and the world. We prefer food grown in the neighbourhood, daylight, and in the near term, greater efficiency in energy use in our facilities. It’s a matter of getting the balance between comfort, conscience, and conservation right.
5. To what extent are older residents and their families open to the idea of green or smart living solutions in your experience?
At first, people were a little nervous. Smart living and going green can appear to be very daunting. However, when homeowners and residents can witness how things such as better air, increased safety lighting, or green space improve their well- being, then they become strong supporters and fans. It is about demonstrating real advantages instead of merely discussing technology.
6. Are there environment-friendly features you are already planning to implement at Ammaveedu?
We are in the process of installing solar panels to supply our hot water and electricity requirements in an environmentally friendly manner. We are also looking forward to converting to LEDs and designing our spaces in a thoughtful manner to utilize natural light to the fullest. We also intend to install rainwater harvesting systems and increase the size of our herbal garden, where the residents can interact with nature as a form of therapy. The plans are phased in a conservative manner to fit our limited budget, but we hope to create a significant green footprint.
7. What small, elder-friendly changes are you considering to
make the building more sustainable?
We’re researching non-slip natural tiles, cross-ventilation design upgrades, and motion sensor lighting for safer and more energy- efficient nighttime mobility. Even our furniture replacements will be made from recycled materials to benefit the environment and local artisan communities.
8. What issues have you faced in the implementation of green infrastructure, and how did you address them?
The greatest challenge is tight budgets. Green solutions don’t appear inexpensive at first sight. So we’ve developed a step- by-step strategy — starting with small measures such as LED lighting in public spaces and building up. We use low- maintenance, high-impact measures to balance cost with long- term value.
9. Did you install or recommend any smart technologies to enhance resident comfort and safety?
We are putting motion-sensitive lighting in hallways, timed water heaters, and replacing subtle security monitoring with CCTV systems. We are considering assistive technologies like fall detection mats and voice-activated emergency alarms. We will install them thoughtfully, so that they support personal care without overwhelming our residents.
10. What role will energy-efficient methods play in your future operations?
Energy efficiency is key to our vision. We already monitor energy use closely and train residents and staff to switch off appliances when not in use. Laundry batching, responsible water usage, and eventual solar power provision are all part of how we want to run a cost-effective and environmentally sound facility.
11. How do you handle waste management and disposal responsibly?
Waste reduction begins with the consciousness of residents and staff. We recycle, compost food waste, and minimize plastic use. We have collaborated with local recyclers for medical and e-waste disposal. Our residents are also engaged—assisting us with herbal gardening and even reminding us of water and energy conservation practices!
12. Have you involved residents and staff in your sustainability efforts? What has been the response?
Yes, indeed. We also organize mini gardening, recycling, and water conservation workshops. It is our dedicated staff who lead watering the plants, waste segregation, and our entire sustainability drive. Our own staff also develop creative ideas—like upcycling old bed sheets. It has created a great sense of ownership and pride within the community.
13. Finally, what would you advise other operators of elder care homes who would prefer to go the way of the green and intelligent care models?
Begin small but begin. You don’t have to spend large sums all at once. Identify places where you can reduce, reuse, or replace. Opt for comfort and dignity over flashy upgrades. Include everyone—residents, staff, sponsors—and create a culture that is people- and planet-oriented. When you appreciate both, the effect truly is revolutionary.