Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah arriving at the launch.

KLANG: Pacific Senior Living (PSL) launched its first independent senior living residence, Acacia, under Columbia Pacific Management Group, in Klang Royal City. The development was driven by the ageing population in Malaysia, with those 60 and older making up 15% of the population. 

The launch was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who provided a short speech in appreciation for the investment of the United States-based company.

“Thank you for inviting me today to the senior citizens living residence Acacia by Pacific Senior Living. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Columbia Pacific Management Group for choosing to invest in the state of Selangor. Because currently, the total population of the senior citizen has increased they are highly in demand for special care in the region,” he said

Acacia offers a new Western approach to senior living lifestyle, shifting to a resort-like ambience, premium services designed with individuals aged 60 and above, coupled with medical facilities. 

McLemore delivering his speech at the launch.

"We are confident that Klang will be able to provide families with the necessary services that are efficient, of good quality and of international standards that will supplement the growing demand for innovative senior living solutions within Klang Valley,” PSL chief executive officer Carl Nicholas Isaac said, pointing out that the ageing population in Klang is one of the highest in Selangor.

“We looked at the proximity to Klang, we also looked at the proximity to our hospitals. We have Columbia Hospital, which is 3km, not far from here, we have KPJ, we also have the Klang General Hospital, so to us, [it is] very important to find locations that are very close to healthcare.

“Also, when we did some studies, we found out that in Klang, people who are from Klang, tend to not leave Klang. Or if they work away from Klang, they come back to Klang to retire and then to grow old,” he said.

The Acacia building was a former 4-star Merrida Hotel, which ceased operations during movement control order. The multi-story building has a total of 136 rooms, spanning 312 sq ft to 592 sq ft. 

The residence incorporates elements like anti-fall furnishings and wide layouts, with amenities such as swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, barbecue area, mahjong tables and more. It also hosts facilities for in-house physiotherapy services and hobby workshops. Acacia also offers a daycare service in the form of its Silver Club, open daily, designed to provide activities, socialisation, and professional care.

The development offers a diverse range of services targeted to senior healthcare, such as pre-medical assessments upon check-in, scheduled visits from healthcare professionals, 24-hour access to caregivers, supervised medication and supplement administration and customised meals by expert nutritionists.

"Our chairman Dan Baty founded Columbia Asia hospitals in Kuala Lumpur nearly 30 years ago,” said Columbia Pacific Management global managing director Nate McLemore, adding: “And, we are pleased to have Columbia Asia serve as a medical partner to Pacific Senior Living today.” 

“No matter the culture, seniors want to live a vibrant and full life in their golden years. They want to be treated with respect, honour and integrity. It is important to not only meet medical needs and provide assistance with daily living – but it is also critical to nourish seniors’ desire for connection. A robust activities program also helps keep the mind and body active. And, perhaps the most important thing - food – if you get the food wrong, you might as well pack up and go home,” he said. 

According to PSL marketing communications manager Malini Selva, all meals are customised based on a nutritionist.

“We will conduct a complimentary pre-assessment by our Medical Advisor or strategic medical partners.  Upon this assessment, we will determine the dietary requirements if any and the meals are then customised accordingly,” Malini said.

“We’re looking at a 20% increase in occupancy year on year. As Nate said, we’re here on a long-term basis, it’s a long-term investment. Senior care in the country is not like opening a hotel. When you open a hotel, you immediately have occupancy. For us to get the first residency in the door was a huge challenge, but it’s picking up. We do an average of two occupants a week, so we look at a 20% increase year on year in occupancy,” Isaac said.

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