Costa Rica Retirement Residence – José Pujol Martí

The retirement residence José Pujol Martí (Asociacion
Española de Beneficiencia Residencia José Pujol Martí)
was built 17-years-ago by Costa Rica’s Spanish community.

Just a half hour drive northwest of San José, it stands on the grounds
adjacent to the Spanish Country Club, in the small Central Valley town of La Rivera
de Belén. Privately run by the Chavez family, it receives financial assistance
from the Spanish Government and caters basically to Spanish nationals living in
Costa Rica.

"We do accept other nationalities, if we have vacancies and at present
there is one U.S. citizen, who has lived with us for four years. She only speaks
a few words of Spanish, but doesn’t seem have a problem," said the English
speaking Administrator Ana Blanco. She added. "A North American couple who
have given-up their home at the beach are planning to move to the residence, so
no doubt, we’ll hear more English spoken."

The attractive, single-story Spanish Colonial-style building is spacious and cool.
A covered walkway leads to the 26 small single or double-occupancy apartments
that have private terraces overlooking the colorful tropical patio garden. Each
apartment is wheelchair accessible and has a small living room, bedroom with closets
and tiled bathroom. Furnishings are basic, but most residents like to bring some,
or all, their belongings.

Every room has a telephone extension, but those who wish for a private line, or
cable TV pay for this themselves. Daily cleaning and laundry services are included
in the rates. Three well-balanced meals a day; with special dietary needs
catered to are served in the dining room. A mid-morning snack of fresh fruit is
delivered to each room and afternoon coffee, tea and cake is served in the spacious
lounge with a T.V area, which is also used as a recreation room.

Twice a week a physiotherapist gives exercise classes and a new gym that
is being built, should be in use within the next few months. A recreational therapist
organizes activities such as bingo and play readings, and a social worker plans
the occasional outing in the residence’s minibus. This also transports residents
who need to go for check-ups to the hospital, or a dental appointment.

A doctor specializing in elder care visits twice a week and a trained nurse
is on duty 24 hours a day. A new infirmary will have room for an overnight
stay, should a resident be sick and require temporary care during the night. The
age of the residents range from the early seventies to over ninety. When they
arrive many are active and independent, but as their health deteriorates with
age, some can no longer look after themselves.

Those who need extended care, have the choice of staying on at the residence and
hiring their own nurse, or one of the helpers recommended by the management to
assist in their needs. This is an excellent and cheaper option than a trained
nurse. All the facilities at the adjoining Spanish Country Club are available
should a resident want to take a dip in the pool, or entertain friends in the
Club’s pleasant restaurant.

On Sunday residents, families and locals attend the small Catholic chapel on the
grounds. Rates are extremely reasonable in comparison to North America. A foreigner
pays US$1,000 a month, while Spanish nationals receiver a 50% discount. For further
information Tel: (506) 2239-0295 or Tel/Fax 2293-1210 – They do not have a website.

Our thanks to Ann Antkiw for her article. Ann Antkiw, a professional actor, director
and English teacher has made her home in Costa Rica for the last 15 years. A freelance
writer for The Tico Times and Costa Rica Outdoors, this intrepid British adventurer
is writing a book about her backpacking odysseys throughout Central and South
America, Africa, Australia and S.E. Asia.

[custom_script adID=97]

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.