Novel retirement communities in Hong Kong?

February 14, 2009 | By Kim Walker

There’s growing interest in the issue of retirement communities around the region.

Recently there’s been a fuss in the Singapore media (and a debate in Parliament) regarding the retirement homes being patronized by senior Singaporeans, just across the causeway in Johor Baru, Malaysia. These centres have cleverly adhered to the quality guideliness imposed on Singapore centres, yet they are substantially cheaper.

Also, an article in the Singapore Straits Times today [Consider retirement communities] makes an unusual compliment of Hong Kong regarding the development of retirement communities there. These communities, which are specifically for retirees, enable them to buy apartments (studio, one- or two-bedroom units) at a special price.

However, when the owners (usually a couple) pass on, the apartment reverts to the government which can refurbish and resell the unit. The original units were available to people with limited assets but apparently the newer developments stipulate no asset limits. I tried to find details of the scheme on The Hong Kong Council of Social Service website but it seems badly out of date. Maybe the Chinese site is more current.

These communities are self-contained and have communal recreational facilities, as well as communal dining and a medical clinic. The clinic is staffed by full-time nurses and doctors visit at specified times.

Various optional meal plans are offered, so residents can decide to cook for themselves or not. There are also facilities for family members to visit their loved ones. Many social activities are organised for residents.

A safety feature is that all units have alarm facilities linked to an in-house security and medical unit, so residents can summon help quickly in an emergency.