Elderly Singaporeans without Family Support

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Social and Family Development with regard to the profile of elderly Singaporeans without family support (a) how many are currently totally reliant on support from the state and charitable organisations for survival; (b) how many have been abandoned overseas and in Singapore, in institutions of care; and (c) what are their gender, age group and ethnic profiles.

Mr Desmond Lee: Vulnerable elderly Singaporeans without family support may receive assistance for their basic needs under MSF's ComCare Long-Term Assistance and/or support in our Sheltered and Welfare homes.

ComCare Long-Term Assistance helps persons who are unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, have limited or no means of income, and have little or no family support. They receive cash assistance for their basic living expenses, and assistance for medical and other needs. As at end-2017, there were over 3,300 persons aged 60 years and above receiving ComCare Long-Term Assistance. Over 60% of those assisted by ComCare Long-Term Assistance were males and more than 70% were aged 70 years and above. About 85% of these persons were Chinese, 8% were Malay, and 6% were Indian.

Vulnerable seniors aged 60 years and above, with weak family support and no alternative accommodation arrangements are cared for in residential homes funded by MSF and operated by Voluntary Welfare Organisations. As at end-2017, there were slightly over 1,000 persons aged 60 years and above residing in these facilities. About eight out of 10 were males, and around half were 70 years old and above. Around 71% were Chinese, 17% were Malay and 11% were Indian.

We do not have data on seniors who have been abandoned overseas by their families.