Debated in Parliament on 6 Feb 2023.
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for National Development given the ageing local population (a) what are the measures taken to ensure that there will be sufficient Community Care Apartments or senior-friendly public flats that are combined with care services; (b) how many of such flats will be completed in 2023 and 2024; and (c) what is the current waiting time for these flats upon successful application by the seniors.
The Community Care Apartments (CCAs) are a new initiative that expands the continuum of housing-cum-care options for seniors. CCAs integrate senior-friendly design features with care services that can be personalised as seniors’ needs evolve. The care services and social programmes offered will cater to seniors across a wide range of care needs and enable seniors to age-in-place independently within the community.
We have launched two CCA pilot projects so far, at Bukit Batok and Queenstown. Both sites are still under construction, and will yield a total of about 410 units when completed. The first CCA pilot at Bukit Batok is estimated to be completed in 2024, while the second CCA pilot at Queenstown is expected to be completed in 2028. The current expected waiting times for these flats from the median month of flat selection to expected completion are about 35 and 59 months respectively.
The public response to CCAs has been positive. We are studying the feedback received as we develop the longer-term plans for CCAs and will share more when ready.
Apart from CCAs, seniors may also consider other housing and care options. For seniors who prefer to continue living in their current homes, they can tap on centre-based and home care services. HDB’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Programme have also helped about 280,000 households in making their homes more elderly-friendly. For those who are looking to right-size, they can choose to buy a 2-room flexi flat on a shorter lease. Some of these flats are located close to eldercare facilities. For seniors with higher care needs, they can consider nursing homes.
The Government will continue to study options to augment the range of housing and care options available to seniors depending on their care needs, income and level of family support.
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