Guiding Your Journey: A Helpful Review of Assisted Living in Singapore

Many elderly individuals in Singapore opt for assisted living as it provides the support and assistance they need for daily activities. Assisted living has recently risen in demand in Singapore due to various factors, such as a rapidly aging population, changing societal norms, and the increased demand for quality elderly care services. Assisted living is a residential option where older adults receive assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation while maintaining an independent lifestyle. 

Singapore’s demographic shift towards an aging population has increased the need for specialized senior care facilities. As people live longer and families become smaller, the traditional model of caring for elderly relatives at home is becoming less feasible. Assisted living homes provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors, offering personalized care plans, 24/7 staffing, and social activities tailored to their needs and preferences.

The demand for assisted living in Singapore has prompted public and private initiatives to develop high-quality senior housing options. The government has implemented programs such as the Silver Housing Bonus Scheme, which offers financial incentives for seniors who downsize or monetize their existing properties upon moving into retirement homes or assisted living communities. Private organizations have also established luxury retirement villages catering to affluent retirees seeking upscale amenities and professional healthcare services. Those who had the opportunity to visit a relative in an assisted living facility were pleasantly surprised by the excellent level of care they received. The staff members were kind, welcoming, and genuinely concerned about the residents’ well-being. They went the extra mile to ensure their relative’s needs were met.

The facility is clean, spacious, well-maintained, and well-maintained. Various amenities were available to the residents, such as a communal dining area, library, and recreational activities. The medical team’s professionalism and dedication to the residents impressed me. Regular check-ups were conducted, medications were properly administered, and emergency response systems were implemented.

In Singapore, various assisted living facilities cater to seniors who need help with their daily activities. These establishments aim to create a secure and pleasant atmosphere for older adults, enabling them to retain their independence while receiving the necessary care. As Singapore’s population continues to age, there is an increasing need for assisted living choices that specifically address the requirements of seniors.

Assisted living locations in Singapore offer personalized care plans. Each resident is given a customized plan assuring them the right level of care. This encompasses personal hygiene, medication organization, meal cooking, and housekeeping duties. Assisted living locations ensure seniors obtain the necessary support to preserve independence.

Assisted living locations in Singapore go beyond personalized care plans by offering residents diverse amenities and activities. These include fitness programs, social events, educational workshops, and on-site medical professionals. These offerings enhance physical well-being and promote social connections among older adults, effectively combating feelings of isolation. The ultimate goal of assisted living locations is to create a vibrant community where seniors can participate in meaningful activities and form friendships with like-minded individuals. By addressing both physical needs and emotional well-being in a supportive environment, these facilities provide a comprehensive approach to senior care.

Later this year, the Community Care Apartment project in Bedok will be launched, a collaborative effort between the MND, MOH, and HDB. The aim is to expand housing options for seniors by providing senior-friendly accommodations, customizable care services, and social activities. This initiative allows seniors to age gracefully and independently within their community.

You can design a secure and comfortable living space for seniors by including well-thought-out features that meet their needs. The Community Care Apartments are specially created to support seniors in maintaining their independence while considering their future care needs.

Each unit offers an open floor plan with a 32 square meter internal area (35 square meters including the air-con ledge).

In addition, each unit comes with customized features and fittings specifically designed for seniors, including a generously sized main door that is wheelchair accessible and a built-in bench located near the entrance. Furthermore, easy-to-use sliding partitions can create separate living and bedroom spaces, ensuring enhanced privacy. To meet storage requirements, the units have built-in wardrobes, cabinets, and a fully furnished kitchen for convenient meal preparation.

To access the Basic Service Package, residents must sign up, and it includes the support of a community manager. This community manager will be responsible for tasks like coordinating additional care services for an additional cost, addressing minor home repairs, planning communal activities, conducting basic health assessments, and offering round-the-clock emergency assistance.

Residents benefit from key card access to their flats and various other services. These include care services, wellness programs, and social activities at the nearby Active Ageing Centre (Care).

Residents are given priority admission to a nearby nursing home if needed. Residents with specific needs can opt for additional care services at an extra cost. One such service is the Shared Caregiving Service, which assists with daily activities such as mobility and transferring.

The main focus of HDB is to guarantee that elderly individuals who require care receive the necessary assistance provided in the Community Care Apartments. Suppose at least one person in your household requires permanent assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, using the toilet, getting dressed, eating, walking, moving around, and transferring. In that case, you will be given priority for flat allocation. HDB has reserved certain units specifically for seniors who require priority, including those who need extensive medical and nursing care or have been diagnosed with mental illness. Additional information will be given during the sales launch.

The cost of renting the Community Care Apartments is determined by the length of the lease chosen. Senior citizens can lease for periods ranging from 15 to 35 years, in increments of 5 years, to ensure that both the applicant and their spouse (if applicable) are covered until they turn 95.

The payment for Community Care Apartments includes both the flat price and the cost of the Basic Service Package unless Optional Services are selected.

What is the cost of living in community care apartments? 

The unit’s total cost includes two parts: the price of the flat and the price of the basic service package. The flat must be paid for in advance. For the Basic Service Package, residents have two options for regular payment plans. In the first plan, residents will pay S$164 for the first month at the beginning of the lease, along with a refundable S$1,968 security deposit. After that, they will pay S$164 monthly for the remainder of the lease. In the second plan, residents will pay S$6,200 for the first three years at the start of the lease. Then, they will pay S$6,200 every three years for the rest of the lease. Fees will be periodically reviewed and require approval from the Health Ministry.

In the February 2021 BTO exercise, the first CCA project was introduced in Bukit Batok. It received an application rate of 4.2 applicants per unit. A flat in Bukit Batok, excluding first-timer housing grants, resale levy, and other payments, ranged from S$35,000 to S$40,000 for a 15-year lease. Please note that this price does not include the Basic Service Package cost. However, for a 20-year lease, the flat price increased to between S$42,000 and S$48,000; for a 25-year lease, it ranged from S$48,000 to S$54,000.

Similarly, for a 30-year lease, the price was between S$52,000 and S$60,000. Lastly, opting for a longer 35-year lease would result in a flat price between S$56,000 and S$64,000.

The need for assisted living in Singapore is prevalent. As the population ages and life expectancy increases, there will be a growing demand for specialized care and support services. Assisted living facilities can provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors to live independently while receiving the necessary assistance.

Additionally, these facilities offer various amenities and activities that promote social interaction and overall well-being. The government and private sector must collaborate in expanding and improving assisted living options in Singapore to ensure that our seniors receive the quality care they deserve. Let us work together to create a society where everyone can age gracefully and enjoy their golden years with dignity and peace of mind.