Long-Term Geriatric Care

Cuba is one of the few countries in the world with an inclusive and integral program for the care of elderly.

The approach to primary healthcare has enabled Cuba to meet its elderly population’s needs within their communities which allowed them to retain higher levels of dignity, independence and psychological health. Due to such approach, only 0.5% of Cuba’s elderly population are hospitalized and/or institutionalized which is not only positive for the elder individual but is less costly to society as well.

The Cuban medical programs for the elderly focus on primary and secondary and pre-emotive actions which makes a difference in the quality of life for the elderly. The final aim is to promote goals intended to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The approach:

Through our relationship with La Pradera International Health Center, and our sister company CubaHeal, we have succeeded in producing a program that not only addresses the accommodation and entertainment needs of the resident but also the quality of health and life by turning such stay in to a long-term productive retirement vacation in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. 

The center prides itself in its holistic approach to therapies of the body, mind and spirit. Its mission is to provide specialized medical care offered by specialists with high ethical, humanistic values, in addition to vast multi disciplinary medical experience, all in a natural, attractive and revitalizing environment. 

The Cuban MEDICAL RETIREMENT LIVING program is intended for residents who require continuous living care and assistance in daily living activities. The program entails the initials need assessment (7 days) followed by a tailored care program. The tailored care program is considered to be one of the globe’s most extensive in terms of safety, around the clock medical and urgent care, hygiene and personal care, rehabilitation and entertainment. 

The Medical retirement living program encompasses the following two phases:

  • Initial Needs assessment (7 days)
  • Tailored Care Program (continuous): Would be based on the conclusion of the above assessment

THE PROGRAM:

Described below are details of the two phases of the program:

MEDICAL:

  • INITIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT (7 DAYS) 
  • MEDICAL RETIREMENT LIVING (MEN) TAILORED CARE PROGRAM 

INITIAL ASSESSMENT:

The details of said approach are found below: 

INITIAL NEED ASSESSMENT (7 days): In this phase, the presence of a companion is a must. The initial need assessment will include the following: 

INITIAL PHYSICAL EVALUATION:

  • Consultation with Internal Medicine Specialist 
  • Re-consultation with Internal Medicine Specialist 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • The above program does notinclude medications for certain conditions such as
    depression, blood coagulation, etc. 
  •  Medicament, fluids, blood and derivatives to be used, as well as additional procedure(s)
    performed not included in the exact treatment would be invoiced
    separately on upon the conclusion of said treatment / procedure(s)
  •  To eliminate the need of carrying further laboratory testing and imaging, which could translate to additional costs, it is highly recommended that visitors brings all of their medical records with them, including laboratory tests, pathology reports and imaging.

MEDICAL RETIREMENT LIVING TAILORED CARE PROGRAM:

Based on the above mentioned “Initial Needs Assessment Program”, a tailored care program will be tailored. The Care Program will include the following services:

Accommodation:

Three daily meals taking into account the resident’s preferences and / or special diets prescribed by physician 

Private room with the following features: 

  • Electronic resident bed 
  • Equipment for disabled resident 
  • Oxygen hookup 
  • Fully equipped private bathroom 
  • Infirmary and nursing care 
  • Colour TV with national and international channels 
  • Local and international phone services (extra cost will apply) 
  • Safe box 
  • Internet service on every floor 
  • Laundry services 

Safety:

  • On location 24/7 Specialized nursing team trained at addressing all medical needs including urgent medical situations. The nursing teams mandate includes addressing medical and personal needs, as well as assistance in daily activities such as feeding (if needs be), medication management, transportation within the compound for the purpose of activities, etc… 
  • The center is a gated compound with trained support staff on the ground 24/7 

Medical care:

  • Around the clock physicians with internal medicine specialty for the care, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in the elderly, including prescribing applicable medicine 
  • Regular internal medicine checkups 
  • Medication Management 
  • On site, fully equipped emergency room for immediate events. Upon the medical situation control, and if the need arises, the patient could be transferred to a more specialized hospital for additional specialized care.
  • Specialized nursing team trained at addressing all medical needs including urgent situations 

Hygiene and personal care:

  • Daily supply of clean towels and clean bed linen 
  • Rooms, floors, bathrooms, dining room, hallways, contact places etc are cleaned daily

Nutritional diet (included in the program):

Nutritionist tailored and balanced diet programs which will take into consideration the following: 

  • Diabetes sensitive diets
  • Calories reduced diets
  • Salt reduced diets
  • Puree diet
  • Minced food diet
  • Soft food diet
  • Juice, milk, soup and dessert are offered with every meal
  • Religious adhering diets (could be accommodated at an additional cost)

Additional services (included in the program)

  • Treatment with natural and traditional eastern medicine to make diagnostics based, which promotes the strengthening energetic circulations of the body. In addition, as part of the medical protocol, the visitor would be receiving moxibustion heat therapy, which is proven to be effective in increasing the immune levels with the use of and 
  • Relaxing body massages (30 minutes sessions). 
  • Outdoor Taishi exercises which promote mind and body strengthening and increase vital energy, emotional factors and breathing.
  • Group therapeutic gymnastics 
  • Other gym exercises 
  • Podiatry care including foot massage, nail care, and management and treatment of possible conditions associated with nail diseases.

WELL-BEING, CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT AND RELIGION SERVICES:

  • 2-days a week Spanish language classes.
  • Outdoor entertainment programs which will entail trips to any of the following:
    -Restaurants à la carte (bi-weekly)
    -Various historical, art museums visits (bi-weekly)
    -Cultural, art and/ or musical shows (monthly)
    -Parks (weekly)
    -Two days trips to Varadero/ Matanzas province, including accommodation in a 4-star resort (including three daily buffets and around the clock open bar) (monthly)
    -One daytrips to Pinar Del Rio province and Viñales Valley (monthly) 
  • Nursing staff presence during any of the entertainment programs 
  • Television and DVD recorded English programs
  • The above services will be coordinated with CubaHeal, our sister company in conjunction with the center. 
  • 20 hours internet card per month
  • Itinerary

ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:

  1. Local airport pickup and drop off;
  2. The continuous presence of personal CubaHeal field member in order to attend to the residents’ need. The field member’s role and mandate would include the following:
  • Proper adherence by the center to the program and addressing any personal need of the residents
  • Facilitate communication between the facility and CubaHeal head office in Canada
  • Facilitate communication between the resident and resident’s family, or CubaHeal head office in Canada 
  • Translation services outside of the facility 
  • Other personal needs 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • The above program does not include medications for certain conditions such as  depression, blood coagulation, etc. 
  • Medicament, fluids, blood and derivatives to be used, as well as additional procedure(s) performed not included in the exact treatment would be invoiced separately on upon the conclusion of said treatment / procedure(s) 

TIME ALLOCATED:29 days renewable
Cost: 

  • 1st month (including thorough evaluation and testing): $7,144.00 CAD
  • Ongoing (29 days renewable): 3,764.00 CAD

Ongoing Entertainment program

Havana Activities :

This bi-weekly Havana outing will start after an early breakfast at your centre and will include walks in the old, cobbled streets, past the magnificent colonial architecture of Habana Vieja (Old Havana). From one scenic part of the old city to another. You will be visiting breathtaking Cathedrals and the Dark Chamber of Havana; you can choose to visit a museum or two of your choice. Take a rest and taste some of the finest Cuban cuisine at La Bodeguita del Medio, the alleged birthplace of Mojito. The restaurant has always been a focal point of the country’s elite and was once frequented by such famous figures as Marquez and Allende. One of your stops will be El Capitolio, or the Capital Building – this neoclassical palace is an iconic building of Havana settled at the heart of the bustling city. After admiring this marvel and the surrounding cityscape, you will have dinner at La Vitrola and enjoy the city at night.

Havana Activities 2

This bi-weekly Havana outing will begin with an early breakfast at your centre. You will then head to Vista Mar, a famous restaurant overlooking the blue waters of the Straits of Florida and known for its international infusion specialities. After that, be prepared for another of your adventures. You will enjoy one-hour ride in one of the classical cars with the rumbling sound of a V-type engine – these classic cars are an internationally recognized symbol feature of Havana and have been taking on its streets since the 1950s. Next, you will visit Revolution Square – here you will be able to visit various exhibitions, including those of The Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of The Revolution, and The Museum of Arms as well. The evening will be crowned with a relaxing dinner at D’Lirios, a restaurant next to El Capitolio”

Havana Activities 3

This bi-weekly Havana outing will begin with an early breakfast at your centre. You will head toward Morro-Cabaña fortress. Built in the 16th century along the Havana bay, it once stood against the city’s many invaders over the centuries. You will have a wonderful lunch in this historical setting before going back to La Pradera. There, after a relaxing massage and a dinner it will be time for a good night’s rest.

Havana Activities 4

This bi-weekly Havana outing will begin with an early breakfast at your centre. It’s another day for you. After breakfast you will need to do some more tests. But we are almost done! The middle of the day will find you relaxing, enjoying a delicious lunch at Malecon 663, another colorful restaurant right next to the sea. The sceneries around and in that café will guarantee to take your breath away. Your relaxed day will continue when you head back to your centre for a relaxing massage in preparation for an exciting and unforgettable night out at Tropicana, one of the most recognizable and cherished faces of Cuba. This famous and vibrant cabaret is known for its talented cabaret and salsa performers

Havana Activities 5

This bi-weekly Havana outing will begin with an early breakfast, followed by a buffet lunch and some sun-filled time at your garden’s swimming pool while enjoying some refreshment at the pool’s snack bar. After a relaxing massage you will be heading to el Cocinero, a lovely Havana rooftop restaurant. It is located just above The Cuban Art Factory (Fábrica de Arte Cubano or Fábrica), your next stop. Take a wine glass and enjoy the best artistic and cultural project of modern Cuba. This place is an art gallery with multiple bars and night clubs, in addition to a theater – you name it.

Sun-Filled Beach Activities

This monthly beach and sun outing will begin with an early breakfast at your centre. If you have been daydreaming about the sandy beach, this is your day. Right after breakfast you will depart for Varadero. Is there anything you deserve more than spending a couple of nights in a top quality, all-inclusive hotel? Lovely sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and cocktails of your choice will be at your disposal. The water is warm and shallow along the coast and it’s teeming with marine life. Visit some of the coral reefs and wander the natural wonders of the world! Varadero beach is one of the most popular places in Cuba for tourists from all over the world. More than 20 km of sand, beach bars and palm trees stretching right in front of your feet. Grab a towel and sun lotion and head for the beach – everything else is taken care of, including the nursing staff which will be on standby for your care.

Back-Country Fun

This monthly back-country outing will begin with an early breakfast at your centre. Another lovely day awaits you. You will be leaving to Pinar del Rio province. In the heart of it is the Viñales Valley, a piece of fertile flat land with tower-like limestone hills rising out of the ground. It is popular for hiking, bike-ride and climbing. Furthermore, if you have ever wondered how a cigar is made, you can get your answer right here! You will be taken along the winding roads surrounded by the lush vegetation and fields. This area is renowned for the growing of tobacco and the production of the world-famous Cuban cigars. You will have lunch there, just before leaving the region and heading back to your centre

Day Eight :

After taking your last dips and having lunch surrounded by this tropical paradise, it is time to get back to Havana. Your transportation will leave at 4 PM. It will be a relaxing night with dinner in La Pradera before the last adventure on this journey the next day.

Day Nine :

Another lovely day awaits you. After breakfast, you will be leaving to the Pinar del Rio province. In the heart of it is the Viñales Valley, a piece of fertile flat land with tower-like limestone hills rising out of the ground. It is popular for hiking, bike-ride and climbing. Furthermore, if you have ever wondered how a cigar is made, you can get your answer right here! You will be taken along the winding roads surrounded by the lush vegetation and fields. This area is renowned for the growing of tobacco and the production of the world-famous Cuban cigars. You will have lunch there, just before leaving the region and heading back to La Pradera!

Day Ten :

Another lovely day awaits you. After breakfast, you will be leaving to the Pinar del Rio province. In the heart of it is the Viñales Valley, a piece of fertile flat land with tower-like limestone hills rising out of the ground. It is popular for hiking, bike-ride and climbing. Furthermore, if you have ever wondered how a cigar is made, you can get your answer right here! You will be taken along the winding roads surrounded by the lush vegetation and fields. This area is renowned for the growing of tobacco and the production of the world-famous Cuban cigars. You will have lunch there, just before leaving the region and heading back to La Pradera!

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