As Children's Work Demands Rise, Senior Living Facilities Emerge as Elderly Care Option

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The demands of work and urban life often leave families in a dilemma when their elderly parents reach old age. While they wish to provide the best care and companionship, time constraints frequently make this challenging. This has led to growing interest in senior living as an alternative elderly care option.

Unlike traditional nursing homes (panti jompo), senior living facilities cater to independent, active seniors who require a safer, monitored environment. Residents live their daily lives as if in a home or hotel.

Claudia, Manager of Senior Living Care, noted that most residents come from families with high work commitments. “Here, the children are typically employed, some even overseas,” she told Kompas.com on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

She added that moving into senior living is usually a mutual decision between parents and families. Some elderly prefer not to burden their working or distant children. “It depends on the family – the needs of both children and parents. But some parents simply feel more comfortable living separately,” Claudia explained.

She also highlighted that many still confuse senior living with nursing homes, despite the concepts being distinct. Senior living is designed for seniors who are still healthy and independent.