At 69, Victor Lee pays $4,500 a month for care home life that has given him a better sense of community

Living alone became unsafe

Lee stopped working in his 20s because of health issues after working as a sales assistant at a department store. His siblings supported him for years, but as they grew older, he was left on his own.

When Lee fell, nobody was there to notice. A later fall convinced him he needed a place where assistance would be close at hand.

Finding a suitable home

Lee was still able to handle most daily activities, so he did not think a traditional nursing home was the right choice. A social worker he knew helped him explore other options.

He visited Camino House twice before moving there in 2023. Located in a shophouse, the facility seemed quieter and less crowded than other places he had seen.

Care with independence

Camino House has seven residents, including Lee. He has a private room with an en-suite bathroom and pays 5,800 Singapore dollars, or about $4,500, each month. The fee covers his room, meals, laundry and care. Lee describes the caregivers as helpful and cheerful, and says they assist him while leaving him free to do things independently.

A steady daily routine

Lee usually gets up around 6 a.m., washes, then goes downstairs for breakfast. He typically eats oats with blueberries and honey. In the afternoons, he may attend mass online, read or spend time with other residents. He also tries to go to church on Sundays.