Retteri is in north Chennai, beside Kolathur, and takes its name from Retteri lake (Rettai Eri, the "twin lake"), a large water body of several hundred acres that is being developed as an eco-tourism spot. The Retteri junction, where Jawaharlal Nehru Salai meets the Perambur to Red Hills road, is one of the busiest crossings in the north of the city, and the GNT Road runs across the lake towards Madhavaram and Red Hills.
North Chennai has fewer purpose-built senior homes than the south, so families looking for senior living in Retteri, Kolathur or Madhavaram often struggle to find options close to home. Elkin lists one verified home here.
Iraiyanbu Illam, Retteri
Iraiyanbu Illam is a senior home run by The Trust of Chelliahs. Its name means "home of divine love" in Tamil. It is listed as independent living, but the care it offers reaches well into assisted living:
- Help with personal hygiene, daily health monitoring and trained caregivers.
- Medical care and emergency response, with a multi-speciality hospital nearby.
- Physiotherapy and recovery after a hospital stay.
- Memory support through counselling and meditation.
- Palliative care for serious illness.
- Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, which is less common in Chennai homes and matters to many families.
- Emotional and social support, wheelchair access, a garden, furnished rooms, Wi-Fi and power backup.
For a north Chennai family, Iraiyanbu Illam's mix of care and familiar food makes it a practical choice, whether for an active parent who wants company or one who is slowing down. Ask which hospital the home uses in emergencies, and whether a doctor visits on fixed days. Because it is run by a trust, it is also worth asking about the fee structure and any sponsored places.
On a visit, look at the shared spaces as much as the rooms. Ask how the day is structured, whether residents go out to temples or the lake, and how often families are encouraged to drop in. Homes that keep residents busy and connected tend to suit seniors who have moved from a lively family household in north Chennai.
North Chennai advantages for seniors
- Hospitals. The Government Peripheral Hospital at Periyar Nagar is close to Kolathur, and the private hospitals of Anna Nagar, including Sundaram Medical Foundation, are a short drive south-west.
- Connected by road. Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (the 100 ft inner ring road) links Retteri with Anna Nagar, Koyambedu and Vadapalani, and the Red Hills road runs north to Puzhal and Red Hills. Buses are frequent at Retteri junction.
- Lake and open space. The lake and its bunds give the area an open, green edge. As the eco-park work progresses, there will be more places for a gentle walk.
- Close to family in the north. Kolathur, Perambur, Villivakkam and Madhavaram are all nearby, so children living in north Chennai can visit often.
Senior living costs near Retteri
North Chennai homes are generally priced below those in the south and on the coast. Approximate figures:
- Trust-run homes: free to about ₹10,000 a month, depending on the trust and the resident's means.
- Independent senior living with services: about ₹18,000 to ₹40,000 a month.
- Assisted living: about ₹28,000 to ₹60,000 a month.
- Dementia or bedridden care: about ₹42,000 to ₹80,000 a month.
Confirm the current fee and inclusions with the home. Our article on dining and food in senior living communities explains what to ask about menus and special diets.
Old age homes and senior living near Retteri
People often search for an "old age home at Retteri" or near Kolathur. Iraiyanbu Illam is the verified option at Retteri itself, and these north and west Chennai pages are close:
- Senior living in Kolathur, next door, with an assisted living home.
- Senior living in Korattur, to the west, with a trust-run senior citizen home.
- Senior living in Anna Nagar, to the south-west, with a dedicated dementia care centre.
- Senior living in Janappanchatram, north beyond Red Hills, with a home for elders.
- All senior living homes in Chennai.
Also see assisted living homes in Chennai. Elkin can arrange a guided visit to Iraiyanbu Illam and nearby homes. Call or WhatsApp +91 95005 10506 (10 AM to 8 PM IST).
