Fancy playing carrom at the activity centre; sharing a meal with neighbours in the communal space; or receiving basic health checks? At Singapore’s first assisted-living flats, Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, residents can enjoy a vibrant community life. These assisted-living flats are part of the PAP government’s efforts to help seniors live independently in the community.
In November 2024, the 169-unit community care apartment at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9 welcomed its first residents. The assisted living concept integrates senior-friendly housing with scalable care services tailored to individual needs.
The community care apartments – which were jointly developed by the Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Housing Board – were first launched in February 2021.
Sized at about 32 sq m, each unit features senior-friendly amenities like grab bars and wheelchair-accessible bathroom. Slip-resistant flooring allows residents to move around their homes with ease.
On each floor, residents have access to furnished communal spaces where they can share meals or participate in group activities, extending their living experiences beyond their individual units.
Residents who live in these apartments contribute a monthly fee for services, which include 24-hour emergency monitoring, basic health checks, wellness and social activities and access to communal spaces. The most basic fees cost about $185 to $195 a month.
Seniors must be 65 and above to apply for these flats. They will be able to choose a lease ranging from 15 to 35 years, in five-year increments, if it covers the applicant and their spouse, if any, until they are at least 95 years old.
Prices for these flats start from $40,000 for a 15-year lease to $65,000 for a 35-year lease. They cannot be resold or rented out.
HDB launched its fourth community care apartments project in October last year. By 2030, the government aims to launch up to 30 such projects.
As Singapore transitions into a superaged society, keeping our seniors connected with the community is a key concern.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said that the assisted-living concept broadens the options for seniors who need some care and support at home while still living independently.
This reflects the PAP Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of life and mental well-being of our seniors by providing appropriate care and enabling their independence.
Helping stay-alone seniors reduce their feelings of isolation
The PAP government, through its Age Well SG initiative, aims to enhance digital literacy among seniors to reduce feelings of isolation and help them stay socially connected.
In response to questions from MP Fahmi Aliman (Marine Parade GRC), Minister for Digital Development and Information Mrs Josephine Teo said that the government supports seniors in ageing actively, maintaining social connections, and receiving care within their communities.
The Silver Generation Office conducts outreach to seniors aged 60 and above to identify their needs and refers them to relevant support or services. These include active ageing centres where seniors can participate in programmes and receive buddying and befriending services.
Under the Age Well SG initiative, more active ageing centres will be built over five years to expand outreach and increase the range and quality of programmes offered.
A study by the DUKE-NUS Centre for Ageing Research and Education found that regular digital technology use among seniors in Singapore is linked to a lower risk of social isolation.
The government, through the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA), has helped to enhance digital literacy among seniors, enabling them to age actively and remain socially connected. Over 340,000 seniors have been trained in digital skills through initiatives.
Responding to Melvin Yong (Radin Mas SMC) question, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the MOH actively funds research studies to better understand the needs of senior citizens to support their well-being as they age in the community. The insights gained from these studies inform relevant initiatives.
To accommodate the needs of an aging population, HDB flats will feature more senior-friendly enhancements. These include larger and easier-to-operate switches, home fire alarm devices, and foldable shower seats, enhancing safety and comfort for seniors.
These improvements are part of the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme, which has been expanded into Ease 2.0, as announced in Budget 2024.
In addition, senior-centric upgrading works will progressively roll out in over 20 older precincts with a high density of seniors, such as Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Merah.
Enhancements include barrier-free access ramps and amenities like fitness trails, catering to the needs of the elderly population.
By 2030, all towns will feature “friendly streets” designed to enhance accessibility and safety for seniors. These pedestrian-friendly areas will include kerbless crossings, lower speed limits, and wider, more accessible footpaths, providing the elderly with greater confidence and ease of movement.
