Elderly Housing Welfare Service in Singapore

Abstract

Singapore has created a systematic housing welfare policy centered on public housing. The majority of Singaporeans live in public housing provided by the Housing and Development Board(HDB). HDB provides not only housing but also various housing welfare services. The purpose of this research is to examine the various elderly housing welfare services in Singapore and draw conclusion by comparing them to Korea. The elderly housing welfare services in Singapore were analyzed in the aspects of financial, physical, and life/welfare services, which are key aspects of housing welfare services, and those services were analyzed by comparing to Korean services. The research was conducted through a literature review, with supplementary consultation of local experts. As a result, it was found that Singapore is focusing on financial services for the elderly to live independently without financial difficulties. In addition, some benefits were provided for the people to live with or near their parents. These can help reduce the national and social burden of supporting the elderly, as well as the elderly can age in place where they have lived. It is expected that the results will contribute to preparing alternatives for the successful development and settlement of elderly housing welfare services, which are innovatively promoted in Korea.