Number of Isolated Elderly Living within Purchased HDB Flats who are on ComCare Support

Ms Carrie Tan asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has any shared data with the Ministry of Social and Family Development on the number of isolated elderly living within purchased HDB flats who are on ComCare support; and (b) if so, what are the numbers in the last five years.

Based on data as at end 2016, there were about 120 ComCare beneficiaries who were HDB flat owners aged 65 and above, and were living without other co-owners, registered occupants or tenants. As at end 2020, this figure increased to 560. This may be due to an increase in the number of elderly living alone in our ageing population, and greater accessibility to ComCare through the set-up of MSF’s Social Services Offices island-wide. In addition, the Silver Generation Office has outreach efforts to provide our elderly with information on available support schemes.

These ComCare beneficiaries receive a package of assistance which may include cash assistance for their daily living expenses and assistance with their household and medical bills. If they have other needs, such as being at risk of social isolation, MSF’s Social Service Offices will link them up with relevant services such as befriending support. They can also take part in active ageing programmes offered by the People’s Association and Senior Activity Centres.