CONNECTOR.AE 50 CONNECTOR.AE 51 Lifestyle Lifestyle Tamara Binladin Transforms Elder Care With Elder Square Loneliness is a deep challenge that affects many, especially as we age. While most of us have ways to cope, through conversationswith loved ones and friends, or adapting to new routines, those without close family or friends often struggle more intensely. This issue is global, and Dubai is no exception. Tamara Binladin, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience and a Dubai resident for 11 years, has launched Elder Square to address this gap. This initiative aims to support seniors who lack local family support and struggle with isolation. The inspiration for this concept stemmed from Tamara Binladin’s personal experience, which highlighted the challenges faced by older adults and motivated her to create a space where they could thrive. Sharing the incident, that motivated her to start Elder Square, Tamara adds, “Honestly, the inspiration for Elder Square felt like a divine calling rather than a lifelong ambition. It all started when my mother’s 85-year-old uncle came to Dubai for a three-month visit. Despite his vibrant and active life in Brazil, his health began to decline here because he had nothing meaningful to do and limited social interaction. His days were confined to the apartment, with only brief outings to the mall. Witnessing his rapid decline in such a short time made me realise how many seniors in Dubai are facing similar isolation and neglect. This realisation sparked my curiosity and drive to create a better solution. A year and a half later, Elder Square was born, and we’ve been receiving incredible feedback for its innovative and compassionate approach to elder care.” Why Dubai, And Why Not Some Other Country Or Emirate? Dubai is renowned for its luxury, opportunities, and comfortable lifestyle, attracting young people from around the globe who come here to start new lives and pursue their dreams. In such a vibrant and dynamic environment, launching something like Elder Square is an unconventional but impactful initiative. Sharing her thoughts on this, Tamara says, “Dubai is known for its opulence and grandeur, the glitz, the glam, the iconic landmarks. But beneath the surface, there’s Tamara identified that existing social groups for the elderly often served only the relatively healthy for brief periods, leaving those needing extra assistance or medical care underserved. Elder Square seeks to fill this critical need by creating a supportive, engaging environment for seniors. Connector spoke with Tamara to learn more about her inspiration, the vision behind Elder Square, and her aspirations for its future. How Did It All Start? In today’s world, Elder Square is more than just a caregiving facility; it’s a vibrant community space where seniors can spend their days, engage in activities, form connections, and maintain their health. It provides daily engagement and a structured routine, allowing elders to look forward to each day. Elder Square goes beyond mere care; it fosters a sense of belonging and helps seniors remain active and engaged members of society. This centre offers comprehensive services, including an outpatient geriatric medical centre, advanced day care, rehabilitation facilities, and various recreational activities to enhance physical and mental well-being.
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