New beginnings for seniors in Bukit Batok’s first assisted living flats

Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok West Avenue 9 represents a new phase of senior living, offering a purpose-built community tailored to the needs of the elderly. This innovative development, which opened its doors in late 2024, combines accessibility, community, and essential services to create an ideal environment for seniors to age gracefully.

Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok has welcomed new residents since its opening in late 2024.
Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok has welcomed new residents since its opening in late 2024. (Image source: AsiaOne)

The development consists of 169 Community Care Apartments, the first of its kind in Bukit Batok. Community Care Apartments itself is a public housing concept designed for assisted living. In response to the nation’s ageing population, the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Housing Board jointly developed these apartments to expand housing options for the elderly.

Each flat at Harmony Village measures approximately 32 sqm and includes senior-friendly features, such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and a compact layout with a bedroom, living room, and kitchen separated by a sliding door. These design elements ensure convenience and safety for seniors.

Bathrooms in Harmony Village are designed to assist residents with mobility issues.
Bathrooms in Harmony Village are designed to assist residents with mobility issues. (Image source: The Straits Times)

Adding to the convenience, a new 400-seat hawker centre is set to open on the ground floor between April and June 2025. This centre will feature 22 cooked food stalls and about 90 tables, providing residents and the surrounding community with diverse and affordable dining options.

An artist's impression of the upcoming 400-seat hawker centre on Harmony Village's ground floor.
An artist’s impression of the upcoming 400-seat hawker centre on Harmony Village’s ground floor. (Image source: AGA ARCHITECTS)

Accessible and affordable senior living in Bukit Batok

Harmony Village offers these community care apartments on a lease basis, with prices starting at S$40,000 for a 15-year lease and going up to S$65,000 for a 35-year lease. The flats are non-transferable and cannot be rented out, ensuring that they remain dedicated to the intended demographic.

Residents pay a monthly fee ranging from S$185 to S$195 for essential services, including 24-hour emergency monitoring, basic health checks, and access to communal spaces. Additional services, such as housekeeping, laundry, and catering, can be added for a fee. These offerings allow seniors to focus on enjoying their golden years without the stress of daily chores.

Good Old Place: A hub for active ageing

Residents playing carrom at the Good Old Place in Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok.
Residents playing carrom at the Good Old Place in Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok. (Image source: The Straits Times)

At the heart of the development is Good Old Place, an active ageing centre managed by Atlas Care, a subsidiary of MOH Holdings. This vibrant hub serves as the cornerstone of the community, hosting a variety of activities designed to keep seniors engaged and active. Regular exercise classes, communal meals, and social events provide ample opportunities for interaction and participation.

The centre also offers wellness programmes and communal spaces for relaxation and bonding. These initiatives ensure that residents not only maintain their physical health but also nurture meaningful social connections, enhancing their overall quality of life.

What residents say about Harmony Village

As reported by The Straits Times, residents have embraced the unique offerings of Harmony Village, appreciating the senior-friendly design and the vibrant community environment. The carefully crafted living spaces, with features like grab bars and emergency monitoring systems, contribute significantly to their ease of living and peace of mind.

The grab bars along common areas in Harmony @ Bukit Batok are useful for seniors.
The grab bars along common areas in Harmony @ Bukit Batok are useful for seniors. (Image source: The Straits Times)

The active ageing centre has become a focal point for residents, offering a variety of activities that encourage participation and engagement. Many enjoy revisiting childhood pastimes, participating in exercise classes, and sharing communal meals. These opportunities foster a sense of belonging and connection among the seniors.

While the development has set a high benchmark for senior living, there remains room for enhancement. For instance, residents have suggested improvements such as larger fonts and multilingual translations for activity notices. Addressing these minor adjustments will further strengthen the inclusive and supportive community at Harmony Village.

Prefer to live with your parents as caregivers?

For some, assisted living for seniors is just not a thing. The idea of living with or near their parents is preferable. Whether due to family traditions, personal bonds, or a desire to provide care for ageing parents, many individuals or couples opt for living arrangements where they can be close to their loved ones.

In response to the growing demand for intergenerational living, the Singapore government has introduced the Family Care Scheme (FCS). This initiative provides singles and married couples with priority access to Build-To-Order (BTO) flats if they plan to live near or with their parents.

Additionally, various grants are available to make this arrangement more affordable. The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) for HDB resale offers up to S$30,000 to those who choose to live with their parents. On the parents’ side, HDB grants for seniors are also available to those who opt for 2-room Flexi flats, 3-room flats, and, of course, Community Care Apartments.

All in all, assisted living developments like Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok are highly convenient for seniors who treasure independence. With its focus on active ageing and tailored services, this kind of flats offer seniors not just a place to live, but a supportive environment to thrive in their later years.

What do you think about the new Community Care Apartments? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

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