News that Singapore plans to build several nursing homes to cater to its rapidly ageing population draws sputters of outrage from American eldercare entrepreneur Paul Klaassen. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
NEWS that Singapore plans to build several nursing homes to cater to its rapidly ageing population draws sputters of outrage from American eldercare entrepreneur Paul Klaassen.
Despite an ageing population, the United States as well as countries like Sweden and Norway have reduced the number of beds in nursing homes, which he says commits 'medically stable' folk into 'dreary' health-care environments.
Countries such as Australia, meanwhile, have faced declining occupancy rates as people use nursing homes only for very complex care.
In their place, retirement communities have mushroomed, which he maintains are a more humane, attractive and efficient way to care for people as they age.
But one might argue that the 53-year-old has quite a vested interest. He is the founder of Sunrise Senior Living, one of the largest retirement living providers in the world, and was in town recently to address an ageing conference.
With an annual turnover of US$1.5 billion (S$2.1 billion), Sunrise is among the biggest companies worldwide serving those in their sunset years. It has nearly 40,000 clients in close to 400 communities in the US, Canada, Britain and Germany. It has no Asian presence yet - though it has done some consultancy and training in Japan - and has no plans to set up here.
