When we grow older, our living needs will change and we will likely require more help. With God’s blessings, as long as you remain mobile and healthy, you will be able to do many things for yourself – and live independently. But as time passes, things will change that will require us to think about our living situation when we are no longer able to take care of ourselves. A lot depends on your ability to manage your normal day-to-day living activities. Here’s what you need to know.

• Ageing-In-Place is probably the best option for many reasons – top of the list is to stay where you are most happy with family and friend in your familiar neighborhood. However, as you age, you may need to plan to make your home more accommodating to your needs that will allow you to continue to live independently. For example, you may plan to make it easier to enter and exit your apartment if you need a wheelchair or installing anti-slip tiles and safety bars in the bathroom. Preventing kitchen accidents should also be something to consider by getting rid of open burners and replacing them those with auto-shutoff timers. Technology such as fall monitors and wearable devices can help. In Singapore, getting a live-in helper is still an affordable option. Another option is home nursing care that provides for a trained nurse to visit as and when there is a need with the benefit of the senior person being able to stay at home. Planning for the future – here’s a checklist of things to look for.
• The most common reason why you may want to consider an alternative living arrangements such as a sheltered or community home is when it is no longer safe for you to be alone most of the time in case something should happen like falling down. Moving from your own home into a communal living arrangement is a big change. Typically you will be sharing your bedroom with others – meaning that you will lose a lot of the privacy that you currently enjoy. While there is an upside of having meals prepared for you, you do not have the freedom to eat what you want and when you want. However, the biggest benefit is that such homes normally offer a hosts of activities like physiotherapy and outings that will keep you away from loneliness and boredom! Costs ranges from $1,000 – $3000 per month. Take a look at St. John’s Home in Singapore.
• Unfortunately, we have to be prepared when we are no longer able to care for ourselves and no longer able to perform many of the daily tasks of living. The next level of care required is typically the nursing home – which is big step up. Nursing home is a long-term residential care facility when you need nursing help for things like eating or bathing – and for those who are bedridden or less mobile. A nursing home in Singapore costs a lot more because of a higher level of care ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per month before considering any governmental assistance. Specialized nursing care for dementia and mental disabilities may costs even more. In Singapore, the number of beds available for nursing care is growing steadily to cater for an ageing population. But it should be an option to consider only when the first two can no longer meet your needs.