As one approaches their golden years, they may want to make a few changes to lead a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe lifestyle. One of the key changes here is finding a suitable living arrangement designed to meet the needs of seniors. Whether one requires an independent housing unit or a senior-friendly support facility, today, they can find various options in the country that will align with their preferences and budget. 

1.

Singaporeans who are 65 years and above can apply for community care residency to access these benefits, as well as senior-friendly support and care services. One can also bring their spouse or child/parent along if at least one of them is a Singapore Permanent Resident or citizen. Another criterion for eligibility is that all the buyers and their spouses should be at least 65 years of age while applying.

Each community care apartment typically comes fully furnished. It may also have senior-friendly amenities like a wide wheelchair-accessible main door with a built-in side bench. Along with this, the bathroom in each apartment is wheelchair friendly and equipped with slip-resistant flooring and grab bars. Other notable features include built-in cabinets, a wardrobe, and a furnished kitchen without appliances. Each block here also has communal spaces on every floor for the residents to connect with each other and engage in group activities. 

Those who apply for residency in these living facilities are generally required to subscribe to a service package that includes basic health checks and 24-hour emergency response services. They may have to pay additional fees for other services like housekeeping, meal services, and social daycare. 

The overall cost of these apartments can vary based on factors such as lease duration and location. That said, the price of these senior housing facilities is typically between S$52,000 and S$111,000.

2. Short-lease two-room Flexi flats
When looking for senior homes nearby, one must include two-room Flexi flats in their local search. Offered by the Housing & Development Board (HBD), these apartments are available for Singaporeans who are over 55 years of age. While two-room flexi apartments are available for everyone, the Senior Priority Scheme makes sure that about 100 units or 40% of these apartments are allocated to seniors. These residential units are particularly useful for seniors who wish to be close, within a distance of 4 kilometres, to their previous home or married child. Such seniors get priority allocation according to the Senior Priority Scheme (SPS). 

Additionally, these types of apartments are meant for seniors who want to purchase a living unit for a short lease period. That said, they can access lease terms of anywhere between 15 to 45 years with five-year increments. The key benefit of these apartments is the flexibility of the lease. 

Most of these apartments come in two sizes; however, both layouts have a few common standard features. For instance, the flats are equipped with grab bars to make it easier for seniors to move around. Seniors who choose to buy the apartment under schemes like the Optional Components Scheme (OCS) can choose to get additional features and amenities like built-in closets, kitchen cabinets, induction hobs, kitchen sinks, and cooker hoods. Unlike the community care apartments, these Flexi flats do not come with mandatory care subscription services.

The price range of these apartments is between S$80,000 and S$200,000.

3. Resale flats
Seniors, like other homebuyers, can choose from apartments that are on sale in the open market. These resale flats are available in different conditions, sizes, and locations, which dictate their prices. That said, these flats usually cost between S$80,000 to S$150,000. While picking a resale flat, one must consider their needs, budget and the cost involved in renovation (if any) based on the age and condition of the flat. 

Before buying a resale flat, one must send an application to the HDB to check if they are eligible for the purchase. Once the eligibility is confirmed, they can look into the various types of resale flats available, shortlist suitable flats, choose the best option, and start the purchase process.

4. Retirement homes
This is a good option for seniors who want an extremely convenient living setup and do not mind spending on it. Retirement homes are premium nursing homes that offer a whole range of care services and amenities for seniors. Certain luxury retirement homes even offer services like comprehensive wellness programs, rehabilitation services, and care by bringing in experienced nurses and care professionals. Considering such features, the cost of these homes can range between S$1,200 to S$6,500 per month. However, the overall cost of living here can be higher or lower depending on several factors, such as the level of care, room sharing, location, and type of facility.