Private assisted living with low operating cost

Silverwood is a private senior-living chain of private assisted-living facilities for seniors who need physical support, rather than nursing care. It lays emphasis on well-being, autonomy and freedom. A candy shop on its premises ensures that it is a magnet for neighbourhood children, much to the delight of residents.

Silverwood’s home-like environment, with its wide windows, warm yellow lights and wooden interiors filled with potted plants, colourful candles, artworks and framed photographs are a big draw. The care home is a part of a chain founded by entrepreneur Mr Tadamichi Shimogawara in 2011. There are 12 Silverwood outlets at present, each with between 30 and 50 residents.

He leases the land and secures the building costs from investors, builds the facilities using his patented low-cost construction method and proceeds to run them. Silverwood does not employ nurses and this helps him keep costs low. Visits from doctors or nurses can be arranged, should residents need it. These cost an additional 10,000 yen ($120) to 90,000 yen ($1,100) per month for those who need higher levels of care – and are largely paid for by the national long term care insurance.

Watch this short film on Silverwood on Genki Kaki that highlight the rich diversity of services for seniors in Japan and what we can learn from them.

Credits: Lien Foundation and Plug + Play Productions