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Located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, these community care apartments will only be eligible to those aged 65 and above at the point of application. Photo HDB
- The flats are only open to those aged 65 and above at the point of application
- Application starts in February
- Buyers must choose leases that will cover them until age 95 at least
Residents in the older age group can look forward to assisted living in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in 2024, when new community care apartments in Bukit Batok are expected to be completed.
The HDB, Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of National Development (MND) announced the launch of the pilot apartments on Thursday (Dec 10), which will come with elder-friendly features and a package of services such as 24-hour emergency monitoring.The flats will be open for applications in February.Located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, the flats will be eligible only to those aged 65 and above at the point of application.
A map of the location of the upcoming community care apartments in Bukit Batok. Source: HDB
This is not the first time HDB has developed elder-friendly residences. It had previously launched Kampung Admiralty, which comprises HDB flats located alongside facilities such as Admiralty Medical Centre and community gardens, and short-lease two-room flexi flats to cater to seniors.
The 11-storey Kampung Admiralty integrated development was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in May. Kampung Admiralty is hailed as the “modern kampung” being a “model for future public housing” encouraging residents and their families to come together and build up community life. “HDB will continue to develop other innovative housing concepts, for the young as well as the old, so that future generations can also own their homes and live comfortably and happily in their neighbourhoods,” Mr Lee said.
Amenities within the development include a hawker centre, community garden and fitness station, to allow seniors to live independently in an urban ‘kampung’ setting. Source: HDB and MOH
To be eligible for these flats, applicants and their spouses, if any, must be 65 years old and above. Seniors can jointly ballot for the flat with a friend or family member who is also eligible.They must choose a lease ranging from 15 to 35 years, in five-year increments, such that it covers them until they are at least 95 years old.For example, someone who is 65 must pick a lease that is at least 30 years, while someone who applies for the flat at the age of 80 must pick a lease that is at least 15 years.
HDB said that the requirement for the lease to last until at least 95 years old is based on the increasing life expectancy of Singaporeans.Seniors who require permanent assistance with their daily living activities will be prioritised in the allocation of flats.
All units at the Community Care Apartments will feature open layouts with sliding partitions that separate the living room and bedroom. Source: HDB
This latest project comes with a basic package of services for all residents, such as 24-hour emergency monitoring, basic health checks and simple home fixes provided by a community manager.