The term “assisted living” is defined as the provision of assistance with activities of daily living to accommodate for the changing needs of an older adult. For most seniors, their lifestyle will gradually change after retirement.
They may begin to experience difficulty in exercising or performing even simple tasks like getting dressed or taking a shower. It is common to find that seniors require help with daily activities like dressing, eating and using the bathroom.
In Singapore, there are a few different types of assisted living facilities available for seniors – each catered for different levels of care required.
Senior Care Homes
Seniors in this type of facility receive long term care and assistance from professional healthcare providers. These senior care homes can also provide companionship and other services that are vital to seniors.
Senior care homes provide more than just daily assistance with activities of day-to-day living. Over time, the residents of senior care homes will build independence and may be able to participate in communal activities.
Senior Residence Facilities
Senior residence facilities are residential care facilities for seniors who require care services and assistance with daily activities such as consuming meals, personal care and taking medication. These facilities are usually located in hospitals or nursing care homes.
Assisted living HDB flats
Assisted living HDB flats enable seniors aged 65 and above, to live independently and enjoy care, support and communal activities. Such senior apartments come with 24-hour emergency monitoring and response services, health screenings and activities at the communal areas within the vicinity.
These units come with senior-friendly fittings such as grab bars and a wheelchair-accessible toilet with slip-resistant flooring to let seniors move around their homes with ease.
Other care services such as housekeeping, laundry and meal delivery can be provided at an additional cost as well.
What you need to consider when choosing an assisted living facility
1) Accessible location
Most of the seniors prefer to move into an apartment or home that is located near their friends, relatives and other social activities. It may be easier for them to accept help from their children or friends when they move into a community with easy access to public transport and public services. It is very important that you choose an assisted living community that is easily accessible and not too far away from the family members.
2) Community
Assisted living communities provide seniors with the opportunity to socialize and interact with other seniors. It is important that you choose an assisted living facility where you feel comfortable and at ease. The community must offer many activities like dining, entertainment, recreational, and social activities.
3) Amenities
Assisted living facilities must provide a variety of services that include a range of recreational activities offered in the community. You must feel comfortable with amenities like an outdoor patio, gymnasium, swimming pool and gardens.
4) Safety
Senior living communities must provide safety measures for seniors to protect them from crime or other threats. You must choose an assisted living community that is secured with CCTV cameras and other security measures to ensure the safety of the seniors.
How to find an Assisted Living Community
In Singapore, assisted living communities are usually located in the suburbs and near to public transport. You can choose an assisted living community that provides a range of services such as dining, recreation, entertainment and massage.
You can find assisted living communities that offer a variety of services from different providers. These facilities include home care, private rooms and semi-private rooms. You can choose an assisted living community that is located near to your family members and nearby activities. You must also consider the location of the community, accessibility, amenities and safety measures.
Eligibility
You must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for a public assisted living facility.
- Physically or mentally disabled because of illness;
- Semi-mobile, using a wheelchair or is bed bound, and needs daily care and help with activities like going to the toilet or walking; and
- Unable to be cared for at home by family or paid domestic worker
Financial Eligibility
You must submit a financial affidavit to the assisted living community to prove that you can afford to pay for your accommodation and care expenses. You must also submit a bank statement or an income certificate to show that you have sufficient income.
To be eligible for government funding, you must provide a letter of employment and your bank statements to prove that you still receive a monthly pension from your former employer.
Healthcare
You must be able to provide a medical certificate from your general practitioner or specialist physician to prove that you are still healthy enough for an assisted living community. You must also submit the results of your annual medical examination and a recent medical report from your general practitioner.
If you have dementia, you must provide a medical certificate from your specialist physician to prove that you suffer from the disease. You must also submit the results of your annual medical examination and a recent medical report from your specialist physician.
If you are suffering from any major illness, you must submit a letter from your general practitioner to prove that you are currently healthy enough for an assisted living facility. You must also provide a copy of your recent medical report from your general practitioner.
If you are a senior who has been in a nursing home or hospital for at least 180 days, you must provide a letter from the doctor that confirms that you have been released from hospitalization. You must also submit the results of your annual medical examination and a recent medical report from your general practitioner.
If you are suffering from any major illness, you must provide a letter from your doctor to prove that you are currently healthy enough for an assisted living facility. You must also provide a copy of your recent medical report from your doctor.
Conclusion
Singapore is one of the best countries in Asia to choose an assisted living community. Assisted living is an important part of senior living. The facilities provide seniors with the opportunity to socialize, receive care and enjoy recreational activities in a safe environment.
It is important to consider all your needs before making your decision to move into an assisted living community.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article! Check out our other blog articles for more additional information on eldercare in Singapore.
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