Assistance for Those Living In One- to Two-Persons Households At Risk of Social Isolation Or Who Need Post-hospitalisation Home Care

34 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given the growing share of seniors living alone or in one- or two-person HDB households, what expansion to existing schemes will be considered to address the higher number of those who over time will be at risk of social isolation and mental health, in need of emergency support in event of falls and other medical emergencies and post-hospitalisation home care.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: This is a key concern that the Government has been working on for many years, given our ageing population. To build a strong support network for seniors, the Ministry of Health established the Agency for Integrated Care, recruited Silver Generation Ambassadors to reach out to seniors and established many Senior Activity Centres. Under Age Well SG, these have evolved into a comprehensive support network of Active Ageing Centres, which engage seniors with needs or at risk of social isolation. Age Well SG also includes enhanced support for those in need of care, such as the Home Personal Care service.

We will continue to strengthen our outreach efforts by working with volunteer groups and community organisations to engage, befriend and support vulnerable and isolated seniors.