After 37 years of successful operation, more than 2.5 million satisfied guests, five-star hospitality and numerous awards, the renowned Belgrade Hotel Zlatnik became the licensed Dom Zlatnik retirement home — a residential care home for adults and older people where residents can feel at home while enjoying the comfort of a hotel.
Among the first residents were Mr and Mrs Vuković, who had been frequent guests of Restaurant Zlatnik for many years. According to Špiro Vuković, two of the most important things for older people are access to daily healthcare and regular communication with others.
Hotel Comfort for Later Life
“I am 90 and my wife is 88, and neither of us is in particularly good health. Our children stopped being children a long time ago — they are adults, retired themselves, with their own responsibilities and health problems.”
“Everyone visits us and looks after us, but those visits usually happen during the day, when we are well. The problem is that sometimes we become unwell at night, when we are alone.”
Špiro Vuković
That is why they decided to look for a home where they would have more support. They were particularly pleased to hear that Zlatnik had become a retirement home because their own flat is nearby.
“Our routine with our neighbours, children and friends has remained the same. We are still in touch with everyone and, most importantly, I no longer have to watch my wife exhaust herself trying to cook, wash clothes, hang out the laundry and serve our meals. Finally, someone is helping us with all of that.”
Špiro Vuković
After a month and a half at Zlatnik, Špiro says that both he and his wife feel better, both mentally and physically.
Špiro particularly highlights the surroundings, the variety of facilities, continuous healthcare support, the staff and five meals a day.
Dedicated Doctors
A retired general who, together with his wife, was also among Zlatnik’s first residents shares the Vukovićs’ view.
“We have five grandchildren and two children, but they have their own lives and we do not want to disrupt them. After a mild case of COVID, other health problems began to appear as well.”
“It became too risky for us to continue living alone.”
Their daughter discovered that Zlatnik had become a retirement home. The decision was easier because they already knew the restaurant, its service and its food, having often visited with their children.
Their first impression upon arrival was, as he describes it, exceptional. They were able to adapt their accommodation to their own routines and add the personal details they needed.
“I have already written three books and I can continue writing here. My wife enjoys reading, socialising and looking after her appearance, and here we have a library, a salt room and a hairdressing salon, so I think life here will be very pleasant and enjoyable for both of us.”
He particularly praises the staff and Dr Marina who, according to him, devoted considerable attention to his health problem.
“Dr Marina realised that the condition was difficult to treat and took it on with great commitment. She sees every improvement as a personal success. That means a great deal to me.”
Retired General · Zlatnik Resident
The Hardest Part Is Leaving Behind One’s Own Home
The couple admit that at first it was not easy to leave their own flat and accept that their home would now be somewhere else.
“The hardest thing for us was psychologically accepting the loss of that sense of having our own household, something a person builds over many years. The fact is that it no longer exists in the same way, because now we have another home that we did not build and furnish ourselves.”
“But because we travelled often in the past and stayed in many hotels, we now enjoy the feeling that we are travelling again — somewhere where we feel at home, yet are still treated with the consideration and hospitality of guests in a real hotel.”
They have also kept their own small routines. They often take long walks through Zemun, although now a member of staff accompanies them for their safety.
“We no longer have quite the same privacy we once had, but we completely understand why, because it shows just how responsible and caring they are towards every one of us.”
A Variety of Activities and Facilities
Zlatnik offers a range of facilities and activities that help residents make the most of their time, and some residents have even expressed a wish to donate their own books to Zlatnik’s library.
“Besides reading, communication is essential for a person’s mental wellbeing. We spend time together here, tell each other stories, talk proudly about our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and that is how our days pass.”
Špiro Vuković
Špiro observes that new residents often arrive withdrawn, distrustful, lonely or frightened — either because they have been separated from their home and family or because of health problems.
Over time, however, conversation and companionship with other residents can change the way they feel about their new surroundings.
“We enjoy spending time together, communicating and living fulfilling lives. All of that together allows us to live our lives peacefully, with happiness and satisfaction.”
“Those of us who have chosen this home are truly fortunate to have reached a stage in life where we can live in conditions like these.”
“I would recommend it to anyone who is considering joining us.”
Špiro Vuković