Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on support for seniors living alone

May 9, 2023

Question No: 4514

Question by: Mr Yip Hon Weng

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry plans to track cases of seniors who pass away undetected in their homes with a view to introducing preventive measures; and (b) for seniors who are not open to community engagement, what specific measures will be taken to identify when a senior living alone may have passed away and check on them, such as visiting the unit when they have defaulted on rent and utilities payments.

Answer:

          MND and HDB contribute to the whole-of-government effort in supporting seniors living alone, through the provision of alert alarm systems which they can use to call for help during emergencies, in studio apartments or selected rental blocks. HDB also checks in on flat owners and tenants on lease management and tenancy matters as needed, or upon receiving ground feedback. HDB will know of cases where seniors passed away undetected at home, either directly or through other agencies called upon to respond.    

2        The community remains a critical source of help in times of emergency. There are existing community efforts to engage seniors who are at-risk, including proactive outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors under the Agency for Integrated Care, and care and support services offered by the Active Ageing Centres. For seniors who are not open to community engagement, community partners continue to use different ways to build trust and rapport over and above their check-ins and visits. We will work with these agencies to consider the idea raised by the Member as we work to enhance community support for seniors.