Health

Rivabella Magliaso, living in total freedom

10 February 2023

Curated by Paula Bernasconi

Meeting with Alexandre Aleman, Director of Rivabella Magliaso, a residence that offers the opportunity to live a free and active old age, where you can still indulge in pleasant activities and lots of socialising, without depriving yourself of the pleasures of life

A period not to be spent in inactivity trying only to preserve physical health but to be enjoyed, with the help of professionals, of socialising, entertainment and little pampering as in any phase of life: all this is possible in Rivabella Magliaso!

Rivabella Magliaso's philosophy subverts the classic and by now outdated idea of an elderly home as a place to "rest", the goal is to combine independence and assistance, in relation to everyone's physical problems, without losing one's passions and habits. The method to do it? A lot of passion combined with impeccable and high standing services, in addition to the ingredient that can never be missing: flexibility. The director of the structure Alexandre Aleman has no doubts: «The freedom and dignity of people are fundamental to our corporate philosophy. We don't know if it's the best recipe, but it's certainly what every human being would have the right to until the end of his days". And she works with his collaborators every day to guarantee this kind of life to those who choose Rivabella.

Located in Malcantone, with the priceless and soothing view of the lake as one of its strengths, this is a structure of excellence which for thirty years has offered both residences for the elderly with medical care and particular attention to hotel service, and apartments where be able to be independent but have access to a range of nursing aids at the same time. There is talk of about 50 beds and about thirty apartments. In 2021 there were works to expand the structure, with the inauguration of 13 new apartments, a support medical office for various specialists, a spa with swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, Kneipp path and salt room , which are added to a series of high-standing services, such as a restaurant, hairdresser or indoor swimming pool. All rooms overlook the magnificent winter garden and have every comfort, such as TV, telephone, internet, radio, safe, minibar, air conditioning, emergency call system, terrace or garden, natural cork flooring and barrier-free bathrooms with showers. In order to better feel at home, the residents can decide how to furnish the spaces: there is the possibility of bringing the furniture of a lifetime from home, or to choose from the various possibilities of supplied furniture.

«Our philosophy has always been to put people at the centre, with their needs, requirements and desires. This is our cornerstone for every project we develop and it has never changed,” Aleman explains with great pride. In particular Rivabella Magliaso he has always focused heavily on catering: «Gastronomy and dietetics have always been one of Rivabella's flagships. In recent years, due to popular demand from customers, the company has decided to favor the purchase of Bio and Demeter products. Chef Ernesto Menegotto and his brigade are able to satisfy even the finest and most demanding palates in a personalized way and taking into account any personal needs ». A symptomatic evolution of Rivabella's modus operandi, which follows the developments of the company and relates them to the needs of its guests.

Every elderly person is different and brings with them the habits and experience of an entire existence. First of all, he is a person with his own peculiarities and, aware of this, the Aleman team, which has been significantly strengthened with the restructuring, has the main task of allowing everyone to implement passions and desires while they are guests of the residence . An exclusive service is even more and more in demand, that of "exclusive assistance butler, where the resident who wishes it is accompanied by a health professional who is dedicated only to him, his wishes and requests".

But how do you reconcile the different needs of the residents, who currently range from 70 to 102 years old, like getting up at the time they want or taking advantage of free afternoon outings? «To be able to manage all that is required, you need to have a lot of personnel, above all capable of always being flexible and ready to change plans. For the question of getting up freely, it depends on the organization of care and we can do this too because we have enough staff. For outings, the guest usually says himself if he's going out, when he's coming back or if he needs transport or help to go somewhere. There are activities that can be programmed in advance and are managed with an agenda; in addition, there are group outings/activities, and these too are scheduled from week to week. As far as last-minute situations are concerned…we manage to find solutions to satisfy requests, while for miracles…we need to be patient».

But often we succeed, strong in the belief that the elderly should be able to live their old age as they wish. Those who choose Rivabella, whether it's the medicalized residence or one of the apartments (a model which, moreover, is increasingly appreciated by customers who fortunately remain independent and in good health for a long time) are usually someone with a comfortable life behind them, but «we to all people who wish to live in total freedom, with all the comforts and the best nursing and rehabilitation care".

In the Magliaso structure it is also possible to spend a period of rehabilitation or holidays and Aleman tells how people even in their forties have been welcomed. «Holiday stays are required both by independent people who want to be pampered during their holidays, but have an extra security given by the presence of the care staff, and by guests who above all need rehabilitation, but who don't want to give up comfort and therefore combine "business with pleasure".

Thanks to the renovation, the rehabilitation department has also seen strong growth. A new SPA has been created, in addition to services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy and art therapy. «Rehabilitation is therefore studied ad hoc, also listening to the preferences of the guest who is followed at 360 degrees and to whom tailor-made packages are offered that include various physical and cognitive aspects», explains Aleman.

In addition to the structural level, the expansion work was also important in the personnel area. The aim was to increase the workforce in order to meet the different requests of people with different characters, requests, desires and physical conditions, with an eye to everyone's freedom. To succeed, adds the director, you undoubtedly need great flexibility and the ability to work from the heart. Behind the high quality services of the Rivabella there is a skilful teamwork, with the focus on the serenity and quality of life of the varied guest park.

Satisfied, in short? Aleman doesn't deny it but remains convinced that we can always improve. «It is important for us to always set new goals and work as a team to achieve them and to always try to offer excellence to our guests and never let our guard down on the level of services provided». Today's elderly are certainly different from those of a few decades ago: science and medicine make it possible to stay healthy and independent for longer, the mentality is certainly different as is the desire to live an active old age. The Magliaso structure grows day after day following the evolution of its public, aware that choosing this structure means giving oneself the possibility of experiencing a third and fourth age that combines dignity, freedom and the necessary medical assistance, with serenity of both guests and families.