Developing homes for the elderly

The population of the Housing Society's old housing estates is aging as tenants there grew older and as their children moved out after getting married while others emigrated abroad. Though the elderly tenants in these estates still manage to take care of themselves, they often feel lonely, and require assistance in case of emergency.

In view of this, the Housing Society has since the seventies modified rental units on the ground floors of some of the rental estates to elderly persons flats. Subsequently, a special committee was also set up to promote residence for the elderly and to take care of the physical and mental health of the elderly in a more systematic approach.

An exclusive community

The Scheme is aimed at elderly tenants who can take care of themselves. Through the provision of special facilities and healthcare services, the Housing Society aims to provide a quality and comfortable living environment for the elderly and to ensure their mental health.

Chung Ning Sheh of Cho Yiu Chuen is the first tailor-made residence for the elderly. Since then, the Housing Society has initiated feasibility studies for the development of elderly housing when planning new and redevelopment projects. In addition to Chung Ning Sheh, tailor-made rental flats for the elderly can also be found in Chung Ming Sheh of Clague Garden Estate, lower floors of rental blocks in Healthy Village Redevelopment Phase I, Prosperous Garden in Yau Ma Tei, Ka Wai Chuen in Hung Hom, Lotus Tower of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, Bo Shek Mansion in Tsuen Wan and Jat Min Chuen in Shatin.

Comfort and harmony

Different design features are adopted by elderly persons flats in different estates. Chung Ning Sheh and Chung Ming Sheh, for example, are detached low-rise structures with beautiful landscaping and a quality environment. Each unit is equipped with a self-contained kitchen and specially equipped washroom, providing basic facilities and ample space for elderly tenants. These units are very popular among the elderly because they can enjoy the facilities of the rental estates in the neighbourhood while residing in an exclusive and private community.

The elderly persons flats have been carefully designed to meet the daily needs of the tenants, for example, the provision of elevators, ramps for wheelchairs, windows and balconies. Handrails and low bath tubs are installed in the bathrooms. Smoke detectors can be found in the elderly lounges of newly completed projects, including Prosperous Garden and Bo Shek Mansion.

In 1997, the Housing Society started to offer allowances to elderly tenants for the subscription of the Elderly Careline Service. The Scheme is well-received and so it has now been extended to elderly tenants who are living in flats equipped with panic alarm system.

Comprehensive care

With ages averaging 75, the elderly tenants are all very independent. The Housing Society has recruited wardens to take care of them and to organise different kinds of activities to enrich their living. These include visits, outings, special interest groups, gatherings, health talks and medical checks. These group activities not only add fun to their daily lives, but help foster understanding among neighbourhoods, mutual aid and harmony among the elderly.

Elderly lounge is one of the characteristics of elderly housing. Elderly tenants can chat with neighbours and make use of the facilities in the lounge, including magazines, television sets, video recorders and exercise machines. These lounges are also used for holding group activities.

Over the years, the Housing Society has built up an excellent relationship with the elderly through the wardens. Apart from their daily necessities, the wardens also assist the elderly with other special needs, such as applying for elderly allowances, accompanying them to clinics, contacting respective bodies for assistance. Warden of Chung Ning Sheh Miss Li said, "The elderly have a great sense of belonging to their home environment. Through regular activities, they have built up a special bondage among themselves, helping one another as if they were within the same family."

Today, over 1,000 elderly persons flats, of which some are independent developments, have been completed under the Housing Society. It is our intention to maintain elderly housing on a small scale as these flats are costly, taking into consideration the rates, construction costs, repairs and maintenance expenses, and other subordinate services.

Broadening its coverage

In order to broaden our coverage, the Housing Society has plans to further expand the elderly housing scheme to cover the middle-income group and is studying its financial implications.

In a recent survey conducted by the Housing Society, over half of the respondents have responded positively to the scheme. To further confirm the interest of the public, we are finalising details for two small-scale pilot projects. Upon their completion, the Housing Society expects to be able to provide more modern and comprehensive accommodation to the elderly.