Why do you need to plan for your future long-term care needs?
Singaporeans are living longer. However, this also increases the need for long-term care as the risk of disability is higher in old age.
A sudden disabling event such as stroke or spinal cord injuries, the progression of illnesses as people age such as dementia, or the worsening of chronic conditions and diseases such as diabetes, can lead to the development of disability and the ensuing need for long-term care.
We expect that 1 in 2 healthy Singaporeans aged 65 could develop severe disability in their lifetime, and may need long-term care. The duration for which long-term care is needed will vary from individual to individual. The median duration that Singaporeans could remain in severe disability is 4 years, and about 3 in 10 could remain in severe disability for 10 years or more.
It is important that we plan early for our future long-term care needs, so that we do not put unnecessary burden on our families and caregivers.
