Those famous pumpkin scones went down a treat when Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen visited a new neighbourhood.

  Lady Flo officially opened Tall Trees Tanah Merah, the second supported living neighbourhood to be built and managed by the Tall Trees Group, with 120 visitors and guests in attendance.

  The opening was held during Seniors Week as part of an open day at the facility.

  Students from nearby Springwood State High were on hand to teach seniors how to play games on a Wii console. They also patiently explained the workings of the internet.

  "I've been involved with the Tall Trees Group for some time now and I'm very excited and proud to be a apart of the opening of their new neighbourhood," Lady Flo said.

  "This new neighbourhood is a milestone in the concept of supported living and will be the most modern and up-to-date of any facility of its kind in the country.

  "It is a great example of how supported living can provide a solution to fill the current gap in the market for ageing in place."

Supported living is closely aligned with the concept of ageing in place, now recognised as a beneficial way for seniors to make the transition from various stages in their lives without the physical and emotional disruptions of moving.

 Tall Trees director Phil Usher said far too often elderly people had to sacrifice their desire for independent living to get the right level of care, or had to live apart because of their different health needs.

  "Supported living communities give seniors back their right to choose in line with this highly regarded philosophy," he said.

  "At Tall Trees couples can live together and manage their particular aged care requirements independently, and may never need to move from one housing arrangement to another as they presently do from a retirement home to a nursing home."

Residents at Tanah Merah enjoy a fantastic residents' lounge complete with Wii gaming console and  internet library, a cafe, restaurant, community shop and indoor-outdoor dining room, swimming pool and gardens.

 The community will eventually have 168 apartments, a two-level leisure centre incorporating a restaurant, theatre, community store and internet lounge, all set in landscaped gardens.