New Delhi: LIC Housing Finance today announced the launch of its latest venture: LIC HFL Care Homes. This is a novel concept, as residential complexes will be built especially to cater to the needs and comforts of the senior citizens of India.

Says LIC Housing Finance CEO and executive director Kranti Sinha: ''A moving trend towards nuclearisation of families has left older people to fend for themselves. Worse, with the elderly being seen as soft targets for crime, security has also become an overriding concern. LIC Housing Finance presents LIC HFL Care Homes as the ideal solution to the growing needs of senior citizens.

''But beyond that it is, in concept, a means towards self-actualisation, an opportunity to infinitely enhance the quality of life. Developed and maintained by LIC HFL Care Homes, this novel project has the potential to become a utopia for those in the sunset years of their life - a dream come true for those above 50, and for whom retirement has opened up a new sense of independence.''

Each Care Homes retirement village will be completely self-contained, planned and thoughtfully structured to take care of every need. A kind of mini-township, with several component buildings, parks, playgrounds and other open spaces, swimming pool, club-house, fitness centre, restaurant and a mini-theatre.

The complex will have its own dedicated health centre and hospital, complete with all facilities including ambulance, and accessible to residents on a round-the-clock basis through an emergency call system. Visiting doctors will also be available for consultation on a daily basis.

And while a concerted emphasis is being placed on the care factor, prevention is being given as much importance. Skid-free flooring, low-jerk elevators and wheelchair-enabled bathrooms, handrails, glare-free surfaces and even such thoughtful aspects as sober pastel shades on walls, which are easy on the eyes, are all factors taken into consideration.

The apartments will be fully furnished, with furniture, a television, a refrigerator, and, features such as air-conditioner, phone and Internet connections will be additionally provided.

All basic services such as housekeeping, repairs and maintenance, utilities and security are maintained in-house, through a trained and dedicated complement of staff. Special emphasis is being placed on healthcare and security, given the fact that these are the two biggest areas of anxiety for the elderly. The entire village complex would be cordoned off with security fencing, and all entry points monitored by manual and automated security.

The fees comprise two components: a one-time refundable amount that will confer membership and a recurring monthly component to meet the cost of living. However, the fees payable by residents are lower than that for other retirement villages of equivalent quality. The membership will entitle one to be resident of the complex for as long as he or she wishes to.

While LIC HFL Care Homes fulfils every basic need, in concept it is really more about helping its residents enhance the quality of life through sharing of experiences and interaction with like minded people and through participation in healthy social activities. The complex is home to its residents; and like any home, residents are free to structure their lifestyle and routine in accordance with their own preferences. Members' families and guests can also visit them.

The first Care Homes project is being developed in Panvel, near Mumbai. This prototype will then be replicated in other major cities across India. Over a period of time, the intention is to have a Care Homes retirement village in every town.

LIC Housing Finance was set up under the Companies Act, 1956. Incorporated on 19 June 1989, it is recognised by National Housing Bank. LIC HFL is promoted by Life Insurance Corporation of India, along with other financial institutions.

LIC HFL has the widest network of offices among the housing finance companies with six regional offices, 108 operating offices (67 area offices and 41 extension counters) and about 100 camp offices.