MediaCorp's CNA reports that the popularity of assisted living shared spaces is mainly due to the fact that they are an alternative to nursing homes, providing an 'age in place' option for the elderly.
Under this model, the provider will arrange for a coordinator to provide support services for the elderly while they share the space with others, such as regular blood pressure and temperature checks, and even meal delivery, laundry and cleaning services.
Ow Fong Keng, 79, who rents out her four-bedroom flat in Woodlands to Red Crowns Senior Living, now lives with two other tenants who have become partners in caring for each other when they didn't know each other. She feels that this arrangement is a double whammy, as she has a companion and an assisted living service.
The monthly rent for the tenants is at least $2,000, which includes rent and caregiving services. A company-appointed caregiver reports to the company on the client's diet and activities, and visits each household to ensure the tenant's safety and well-being. The company says that there has been an increase in demand for these types of units and has rented out 30 HDB flats and three private flat units since it opened for business about a year ago.
However, the company's plans to expand have been hampered by soaring rents in recent years. Overall rents in the local HDB rental market have risen by 27.5 per cent, and the rent for a four-bedroom HDB flat in Hougang, for example, can rise to at least $4,000 per month. In addition, the rising cost of utilities has also contributed to the hindrance of the plan.
The Senior Group Home, which is run by Feiyue Community Services, has pointed out that rising utility costs mean they have to increase rents. Currently under this model, tenants pay up to $200 a month in rent after deducting government subsidies. In addition to day-to-day care, staff will also help arrange transport services for tenants who need to seek medical attention.
Professor Sumit Agarwal, head of the Department of Real Estate at the National University of Singapore, said public demand for such shared living spaces offering lifestyle services would rise, but he called for tighter controls as more operators entered the market.
He said it was good to allow private operators to enter the market because they were more efficient and provided better services, but that care should be taken not to allow them to exploit older people for profit.
