Most seniors wish to continue living in a familiar environment surrounded by familiar faces. Yet as we grow older, these places we have been living in all our lives may not be sufficiently equipped to support our needs, nor may family members be able or available for long term care and support.
With limited options, seniors who need assistance in daily living may find themselves seemingly stranded in their current place or even being admitted into a nursing home prematurely. A study found that the average time spent living in nursing homes in Singapore is 5–15 years as compared to 2 years in the United States.
It is then important to discuss the possible options for living with assistance in a place where one can feel at home. Currently, assisted living options are increasingly being explored as a communal facility or as a housing option within residential estates. They serve as variants to the common goal of ageing in place while providing the right amount of assistance and community benefits, so as to preserve independence and improve the quality of life for our seniors.