Indira Desai is the President/CEO of Waterview Lodge, a Resident Care Rehabilitation and Nursing Care facility in Ashland MA. She talked to Lokvani about her journey in the business of elderly care and shared thoughts on what we could do to prepare for the future. 

“Welcome to Waterview Lodge” says Indira Desai in a booming voice that fills the room with her electrifying energy.  When one enters Waterview Lodge, one is surprised to see the facility for it looks more like a high-class hotel rather than a rehabilitation facility. The landscaping is beautiful and the Lodge looks lovely. “The name – Lodge was chosen deliberately. We want to have the feel here of a lovely place to live” says Desai. 

Desai’s journey from Navsari, Gujarat to leading a fine Rehab center is an inspirational one. “I did B Sc Home Science in Gujarat. I always wanted to be a doctor, but that did not happen.  I came to the US and somehow that ambition always stuck with me. I went to study Nutrition and became a dietician” says Desai, who has a Ph.D in Nutrition. 

“I have three children and while raising them, being a dietician was great as I had flexible hours. I used to visit Nursing homes. When the children left home, I decided to get into the business and own one. I love working with people and decided to try to run a nursing home. I bought one in Framingham.  While running that home, I also studied nursing and got my RN. It was my dream to build a nice rehab facility. So I bought a piece of land in 2008. It took a little while to build. I am now proud to see that this place is now built with 103 beds ready to go. As of today we have more than 90 beds occupied,” says Desai. 

How does one make a decision on Rehab facility or nursing home care? “Patients can request to be sent to a particular facility. At our facility we are very aware of Indian culture. We even can provide Indian meals. We accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and private payments” says Desai. 

The facility and the rooms are gorgeous. It almost does not feel like a care facility but rather a hotel.  

“Moving to a Nursing home is a difficult decision for the elderly. However with busy lives, it is sometimes really very hard to take care of people who need constant attention. We have had residents who are over 100 years old. So we endeavor to make the stay as comfortable as possible.  We have people who constantly meet and give love to the elderly and keep them from feeling lonely”.

How difficult is the business? “Nursing homes are the second most regulated business after the Nuclear reactors. So it is very challenging. Also our customers who come are in difficult situations. The nursing homes also need a large staff who needs to be well managed. At our facility we try to build a family feeling amongst the staff. When the staff is happy, the care is good”

It is not often that Indian women get into business. How has the journey been? “It is always full of opportunities and challenges.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I work hard.  I like to try new things. Sometimes I fall flat on my face but I never give up.  In fact I also gave the MCAT when I was 58 at the same time that my son did. I wanted to try and fulfill my dream to be a doctor. My son made it and became a talented plastic surgeon. I did not become a doctor. But who knows what the future holds?” says an enthusiastic Desai with a bright smile. 

How should we prepare for advanced age? “Keep a strong focus on your health. Also keep enough cash on hand so that you can get good care in the future in case you need it. I am a very spiritual person and certainly grace of God is always good. “

Indira Desai has served as the President of the Newton Rotary. “It was a really wonderful experience for me as I was able to meet interesting people and do impactful work,” says Desai. 

Women empowerment is close to Desai’s heart. “Indian women are often told that they cannot do much. Often restrictions are placed that do not allow you to find your true potential. I really encourage women to break out of those imaginary bonds”. Desai also volunteers to support the victims of domestic violence. 

Desai is the very epitome of determination and compassion. To learn more about waterview lodge please visit http://www.waterviewlodgellc.com/.