19 MAY 2010

Question No. 404
Question by: Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has encountered more cases of the elderly being turfed out of HDB flats owned by their adult children or who prefer not to live with their children for various reasons; and (b) what housing options are available to these elderly.

Answer

1      HDB does not have any data on the number of elderly who have been turfed out of flats by their children.

2      Families must be the first line of support whenever someone needs help.  This includes providing accommodation for and looking after aged parents, even when it is inconvenient or difficult.  If the children are unable to house their parents in their homes, they should provide the necessary financial support for alternative accommodation, such as rental of a room or flat from the open market.

3      Elderly parents whose children are not willing to support them may seek the assistance of the Family Service Centres or the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents. If mediation is not successful, they can consider making an application for maintenance at the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents.

4      The Member also asked about housing options for the elderly. Based on HDB’s Sample Household Survey 2008, about 60% of the elderly prefer to live on their own. HDB has built Studio Apartments which are designed for elderly living. Senior citizens who wish to live independently can consider buying such Studio Apartments or a smaller flat.  If they wish to age in the familiarity of their existing flat, they can consider the Lease Buyback Scheme or sublet their spare bedrooms to generate income, if necessary.  Yet another alternative, if they have the financial means, is to rent a flat or room from the open market.

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