Print How was the idea of Villa Benita born?
Idea to give elderly opportunity to grow old with dignity in senior home, came from Terje Kross. At that time Estonia was a place, where senior homes were sent-away-institutions that were attached to the smell of death.
Terje, who had spent over 15 years visiting dozens of homes around the world and seen several most exclusive elderly houses, was amazed with the humanity and care. Also had Terje seen some of the worst senior homes. After her research, she and Margus Linnamäe decided to put cornerstone to Villa Benita.
To built up Villa Benita senior home we have learned from the best and the worst places, so it became increasingly clear for the basis of the principles of foundation Villa Benita.
Important for us:
- caring
- finding the right people and personnel
- environment, where people routinely live and spend their time
- high-level of medical technology
The initial plan was to bring an international senior home model to Estonia, but in reviewing the models it was clear that they are not suitable for Estonia. Estonians love to cook their–selves, are used to invite guests in living room not in the bedroom. Also because Estonians like their house in the forest, or at least with a big garden, where people can grow tomatoes and cucumbers. So the wisest thing was to create a Nordic concept suitable for Estonians.
Archidects of the house are Ra Luhse and Tanel Tuhal, house interior designer is Sirje Kadalipp.
The opening of Villa Benita was in 27.03.2008.
How Villa Benita got its name?
Modern nursing home and the hospital was named after the Terje Kross husbands aunt - Benita Kelder (29.12.1906- 18.09.1988). Benita Kelder had a great heart and she left her heritage to Terje Kross. The beloved aunt lived in Keila field in Valkse village – place where now Villa Benita is located. Aunt Benita values and principles – honesty, sense of beauty, had excellent skills in kitchen, humanity and courtesy. The nursing home today is inspired from the aunt Benitas values.
Name Benita comes from Latin word Bene, which mean kindness. Benita is a femal form of Benedict.