5 Things to Know About the Community Care Apartments

CCA, or Community Care Apartments, are a type of public housing created through a collaboration between the Ministry of National Development (MND), Housing & Development Board (HDB), and Ministry of Health (MOH). These apartments are designed to cater to the needs of seniors by providing both suitable housing and necessary care services. The aim is to enable older individuals to age gracefully in a community environment while maintaining their independence. By offering a combination of senior-friendly accommodation and support services, CCA serves as a viable option for seniors who wish to stay in their own homes and receive the care they require.

The initial CCA, set to be located in Bukit Batok, was introduced in February 2021. Are there any upcoming CCAs for seniors to anticipate? Yes, indeed! The second round of CCAs in Queenstown is scheduled for launch later this year.

Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok

If you or your family are considering applying for a CCA, here are 5 important things to keep in mind.

1. Wide Range of Facilities and Amenities

The upcoming CCAs will be located in the Health District @ Queenstown. Working in collaboration with partners, HDB aims to create an environment that promotes healthy living and active aging. The CCAs will have shared facilities like roof gardens, fitness stations, and community living rooms to encourage social interaction among residents. With Alexandra Hospital nearby, easy access to healthcare and medical services will also be available.

The first batch of CCAs is situated at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, close to popular parks such as Little Guilin, Bukit Batok Nature Park, and Bukit Batok Central Park. Apart from shopping malls and wet markets, there are also healthcare facilities in close proximity, including Bukit Batok Polyclinic, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Within the development, residents will have convenient access to an activity center, a community garden, and fitness stations to support an active lifestyle. Additionally, the CCA development will include a hawker center offering affordable food options.

2. Minimal Renovation Required

Those interested in the CCAs will be pleased to know that little to no renovation work is necessary for these units. Each 32sqm CCA unit features an open layout, with sliding partitions available to separate the living room and bedroom for added privacy.

Each unit comes with built-in wardrobes, cabinets and a furnished kitchen

The flat also comes ready with senior-friendly design features and other pre-installed fittings, including:

• Wide wheelchair-friendly main door with a built-in bench at the side
• Large wheelchair-accessible toilet with grab bars and slip-resistant flooring
• Built-in wardrobe and cabinets
• Furnished kitchen (without fridge and washing machine)
• Service yard accessible from toilet, with clothes drying rack

Wheelchair-friendly bathrooms are outfitted with grab bars and slip-resistant

On each floor of the CCA block, there will also be a furnished communal space for residents to mingle, share meals and take part in group activities.

Residents can connect with each other at the communal space located at every floor of the CCA block

3. Integrated Care Services

The CCA offers integrated care services designed to cater to the needs of seniors and promote independent living in a social environment for a fulfilling retirement experience. To avail of these services, residents are required to subscribe to a Basic Service Package. This package includes round-the-clock emergency monitoring and response, basic health check-ups, and the assistance of an on-site community manager who organizes regular activities and programs for residents. The community manager also ensures the availability of the following services:

1. Care and support services
2. Minor home repairs
3. Activities in communal areas
4. Key card access to individual apartments

Additionally, seniors have the flexibility to opt for optional services based on their preferences and requirements, covering various day-to-day activities.

4. Eligibility Conditions

The CCA (Community Care Apartment) is designed to provide affordable housing for seniors, so to be eligible, the applicant(s) and their spouse (if applicable) must be 65 years old or older. Applicants can choose a lease duration between 15 to 35 years, in increments of five years, ensuring coverage for both the applicant and their spouse (if applicable) until at least 95 years old.

However, there are certain restrictions. Individuals who have received housing subsidies twice or have previously purchased a Studio Apartment or short-lease 2-room Flexi flat are not qualified to purchase a CCA.

To summarize the eligibility conditions:

5. Full Upfront Payment for Flat Purchase

Applicants who are approved for the CCA (Community Care Apartments) program must pay the full amount for the flat upfront using cash or CPF (Central Provident Fund). As for the mandatory Basic Service package, applicants have the option to make full or partial upfront payment in cash, along with a monthly fee for the duration of the lease. The prices for the CCA at Bukit Batok are provided as an example to give an idea of the costs involved.

Let's consider the example of a 15-year lease tenure for an applicant who has two payment options.

For both options, the flat itself requires a full upfront payment of $40,000. However, there are two choices: Option 1 involves an upfront payment of $22,000 for the Basic Service Package, while Option 2 allows for a partial upfront payment of $13,000, with the remaining fees to be paid on a monthly basis. If Option 2 is chosen, the applicant would need to pay an estimated $50 per month throughout the remaining 15-year lease.

Another important distinction of a CCA (Community Care Apartment) unit compared to other HDB flats is that it cannot be resold or rented out. If owners no longer require the CCA, they can return it to HDB and receive a refund equivalent to the value of the remaining lease of the flat.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg