Introduction
Sarj and Jas, like many caring children, will find themselves at a crossroads, realising their parents will need a higher level of care in the future. However, their journey is far from ordinary. Dissatisfied with the care options available in the UK and inspired by a global quest, they embarked on a mission to find a solution where the elderly can truly thrive.
This blog post explores their remarkable journey, the fusion of Ayurveda and IKIGAI, and the birth of a unique proposition for the UK live-in care market – U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre.
The Quest for Fulfilling Elderly Care
Sarj and Jas’s journey was fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to provide their parents with a care solution that transcended the mere fulfilment of physical needs. They recognised that true elderly care extended beyond the realm of traditional healthcare, embracing a holistic approach that encompassed mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In their pursuit of the perfect care model, they embarked on a globe-spanning quest that took them to countries far and wide, each with its own unique approach to senior care.
Their mission was more than just a search; it was a heartfelt exploration of cultures, practices, and societies that revered and celebrated their elderly population. They didn’t merely want their parents to “survive” in their later years; they aspired to find a place where senior citizens thrived, where life continued to hold meaning, and where the twilight years were just as enriching and fulfilling as any other phase of life. This quest was an odyssey driven by their love and respect for their parents, and it reflected a genuine desire to provide a care solution that upheld the dignity, happiness, and vitality of the elderly.
Traveling from one part of the world to another, they discovered vibrant communities that didn’t just provide care for the elderly but also encouraged them to stay engaged in their daily activities. These were places where wisdom and experience were cherished, where mental and emotional well-being were nurtured, and where spiritual fulfilment was considered an essential aspect of aging gracefully. The experiences they gathered during their travels became the foundation for the visionary concept that would redefine elderly care in the UK.
Their determination to create a care solution that embraced the holistic needs of the elderly set the stage for a unique fusion of cultures and philosophies. This fusion, centred around the Japanese concept of IKIGAI and the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda, became the cornerstone of U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre, ushering in a new era of elderly care that truly understood and celebrated the multidimensional nature of human well-being.
The IKIGAI Connection
During their research, they stumbled upon the Japanese concept of “IKIGAI.” In Japanese, “IKI” means life, and “GAI” means worth. IKIGAI, therefore, translates to “the reason for being.” It’s a powerful concept that centres around finding purpose and fulfilment in one’s life. Essentially, it’s the sweet spot where one’s passions, talents, values, and the things that the world needs intersect. This concept resonated with Sarj and Jas, and they were determined to incorporate it into their vision for elderly care.
Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Health
Sarj has a strong foundation in Ayurveda, having built and successfully runs an Ayurvedic Centre in the UK for over 15 years. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that places a strong emphasis on holistic well-being. It focuses on creating harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach was perfectly aligned with their vision of providing comprehensive care for the elderly.
Merging Ayurveda and IKIGAI
The marriage of Ayurveda and IKIGAI was not just a random occurrence; it was a thoughtful process that combined the best of two worlds. Ayurveda, with its emphasis on personalised wellness, was the ideal foundation for implementing the concept of IKIGAI. It recognised that every individual is unique and, therefore, their path to fulfilment would also be unique.
U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre
The result of this synergy was U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre, a revolutionary proposition in the UK live-in care market, registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Here’s how it works:
- Personalised Care Plans: U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre recognises that the elderly have different needs, passions, and values. Each care plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring they live a life that aligns with their IKIGAI.
- Holistic Wellness: Ayurveda’s holistic approach is applied, focusing on maintaining physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfilment. This includes Ayurvedic therapies, nutrition, yoga, and meditation where appropriate.
- Connection and Community: U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre recognises the importance of social connections. It encourages engagement with like-minded individuals and participation in activities that align with one’s IKIGAI.
- Continuous Evaluation: Just as in Ayurveda, the care provided under U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre is continually evaluated and adjusted to ensure it remains in harmony with the individual’s changing needs and goals.
- Culturally and Linguistically Aligned Caregivers: At U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre, we understand that cultural and linguistic compatibility is essential for creating a nurturing environment. We take great care to match our caregivers with the cultural backgrounds and languages of the individuals we are caring for. This ensures that not only their physical needs are met but also that they can communicate, relate, and connect on a deeper, more meaningful level, enhancing the overall care experience.
Conclusion
Sarj and Jas embarked on a remarkable journey to create a live-in care solution for the elderly in the UK that goes beyond traditional care. Their innovative approach, which merges Ayurveda and the concept of IKIGAI, ensures that elderly individuals not only receive the physical care they need but also live a life that is fulfilling and purpose-driven. U&I Care by Kerala Ayurveda Centre is a testament to their dedication to improving the quality of life for the elderly, and it serves as an inspiration for a new era in elderly care in the UK.
