logo
ADVERTISEMENT

A safe space for seniors: Giving the elderly care and comfort in Rukubi

The facility is open for dementia, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, diabetes and high blood pressure patients.

image
by MAGDALINE SAYA

Realtime28 February 2025 - 11:00
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


  • The facility ensures the elderly are cared for and able to enjoy their later years with dignity.
  • The facility, which serves both residents from Nairobi and beyond, was established to meet the growing demand for professional elderly care.

The Splacc International Chief Executive Officer Nungari Muchai /HANDOUT

In the quiet, leafy area of Rukubi in Lower Kabete, Nairobi, a unique facility is giving elderly residents a new place to call home.

The Splacc International Assisted Living, a home for the elderly, has opened its doors to provide personalised care for senior citizens, offering not just a roof over their heads but tailored services that cater to their individual health and personal needs.

The facility, which serves both residents from Nairobi and beyond, was established to meet the growing demand for professional elderly care.

Many families struggle to balance work, parenting, and the needs of aging relatives, leaving elderly parents and grandparents with limited attention and support at home.

The Splacc International hopes to fill that gap.

According to the Splacc International Chief Executive Director Nungari Muchai, the home’s approach is centered on treating each resident as an individual with unique needs, rather than offering standard care packages.

The Splacc International Chief Executive Officer Nungari Muchai /HANDOUT

“Every person who comes here has a different story, a different health background, and different preferences. Our role is to ensure they are comfortable, cared for, and able to enjoy their later years with dignity,” Muchai says.

The facility only provides long-term care. It is open for dementia, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, diabetes, high blood pressure patients, and Alzheimer's, from 20 years and beyond.

However, the care goes beyond medical attention. The facility places a strong emphasis on ensuring residents remain mentally and socially active.

Group activities, from light exercises to storytelling sessions and games, are organized to keep residents engaged and connected with each other.

“We want this to feel like home, not a hospital or institution,” Muchai explains.

“Many elderly people fear being placed in homes because they think they will be isolated or forgotten. We work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen here.”

Meals are another carefully considered aspect of life at The Splacc.

Each resident’s diet is designed based on their health needs and personal preferences.

Residents with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension receive tailored meal plans, while others are encouraged to share their favorite dishes to make the experience feel familiar and comforting.

Relatives of some residents say they were initially reluctant to place their loved ones in a care facility, fearing it would feel impersonal.

However, many have since changed their views after seeing how their relatives are cared for at The Splacc.

“I was hesitant at first, but after seeing how my mother is cared for, with attention to her health, her hobbies, and even her personality, I am at peace knowing she is in good hands,” one family member who asked not to be named says.

As Kenya’s population ages and traditional family structures shift — with more households relying on dual incomes and younger generations moving to urban areas — facilities like The Splacc International are becoming an important part of Nairobi’s social landscape.

The Splacc International Assisted Living where senior Citizens receive care in Rukubi, Lower Kabete, in Nairobi/HANDOUT

For now, Muchai says the focus is on maintaining high standards of care and building trust with families who want the best for their elderly relatives.

“This is a new chapter for many families and for us too,” she says.

“Our goal is simple — to provide care that respects the dignity of every individual while supporting families through what can be a difficult transition.”

The Splacc International’s location in Lower Kabete offers residents a quiet, green environment away from the noise of the city but still within easy reach for visiting family members.

As demand for elderly care rises, the home hopes to set an example of how professional care can still feel personal — one resident at a time.

Related Articles


logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved