Question
Ms Denise Phua
Moulmein-Kallang GRC
To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development
(a) if he can elaborate on the senior group homes model for elderly Singaporeans in public housing blocks;
(b) how many of such homes and beneficiaries are there in Singapore currently; and
(c) whether the Ministry will work with HDB to make such senior group homes more prevalent in all housing estates.
Answer
Mdm Speaker, MSF started the Senior Group Homes in 2012 to promote ageing-in-place for seniors who are too frail to continue living alone in HDB rental flats.
Each Senior Group Home is located in a rental block and comprises five to eight units of flats. Each unit is shared by two to three frail seniors. MSF funds Voluntary Welfare Organisations to operate the Homes. They coordinate and monitor a range of services for the seniors. Examples of services include Home Care, rehabilitation services, and encouraging the seniors to engage in social activities in the community. The residents are also encouraged to provide mutual support to one another.
Two Senior Group Homes are currently in operation with a capacity of 36 places, and we are completing another 12 Homes in different towns this year. When fully operational, the 14 Homes will accommodate up to 250 seniors.
MSF will review the take-up and plans for Senior Group Homes after they are rolled out this year.
