Statistics on Average Period of Stay and Age of Singaporeans in Aged Homes
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the demographics of residents in Sheltered Homes and the adequacy of future aged home pipelines, as raised by MP Miss Cheng Li Hui. Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee shared that the average age at admission is 72 years, with an average stay of six years and an equal gender ratio. He explained that no immediate increase in Sheltered Homes is planned due to stable occupancy and a policy focus on community-based aging. To meet future demand, the Government provides alternative options such as senior group homes, assisted living pilots, and various home-based care services. These efforts ensure seniors have diverse choices to age-in-place effectively while receiving the necessary support and services.
Transcript
7 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the average period of stay of Singaporeans in aged homes over the last five years; (b) what is the average age of Singaporeans when they first moved into aged homes and whether there is an increasing trend; (c) what is the breakdown of male to female ratio of Singaporeans residing in aged homes; (d) whether it is necessary to increase Singapore's pipeline of aged homes; and (e) whether the existing and planned pipelines of aged homes are able to meet future demands.
Mr Desmond Lee: Sheltered Homes (SHs) provide residential and care services to seniors aged 60 and above, who have little or no family support. There are 14 SHs licensed under the Homes for the Aged Act.
We do not track residents' age at admission to SHs. Based on a recent survey conducted in 2019 on SHs which are funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the average age at admission was 72 years; and the average length of stay was about six years. The gender ratio of residents in SHs is about one male to one female. There are no immediate plans to set up more SHs as the occupancy rate has been relatively stable.
Not every senior requires the services and close supervision provided by SHs. Most seniors prefer to grow old where they live, and with or close to their loved ones. To enable seniors to age in the community, there are other housing options such as senior group homes which provide assisted living in public rental flats for seniors with mild care needs. The Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Health will also launch a pilot on assisted living typology, where seniors can purchase a flat bundled with a package of programmes and services. Seniors with care needs can also access other services in the community, which include centre-based and home-based care services. The Government will continue to ensure that there are various options for seniors to age-in-place.