Lawmaker raises concerns over elderly residence services and rent

Lawmaker Leong Hong Sai has submitted a written interpellation to the government requesting updates on three outstanding issues concerning the “Residence for the Elderly,” the government’s flagship housing project for seniors.

Leong is seeking information on the status of plans to establish traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics at the residence.

According to the interpellation, the government previously stated in response to a lawmaker’s written question that it would, through cooperation with TCM associations, plan to establish clinics at the residence and add the provision of related services in order to respond to the demand from the elderly.

Leong is now asking for an update on the current status of these efforts and whether any timeline for implementation has been established.

The inquiry also raises concerns about safety measures for elderly residents, particularly those with mobility difficulties.

Leong argues that the government should strengthen fire safety awareness and education among the elderly, especially regarding the use of electrical appliances, and continuously improve emergency evacuation measures and rescue procedures for elderly people with mobility difficulties.

On the issue of affordability, Leong calls for periodic review of rent levels at the residence. The interpellation states that the government should periodically review the rent levels of the residence for the elderly and, taking into account the decline in rents in the same area, consider the possibility of flexible rent reductions.

Leong’s interpellation frames the residence as one of the government’s important measures to improve the lives of elderly residents in community neighborhoods and to implement the principle of “aging in place.”

The inquiry also notes that, with barrier-free design and assistive technology, the residence provides a quality and comfortable living environment that can effectively improve housing conditions and enhance quality of life for Macau’s elderly.

However, the lawmaker states that with the increasing number of elderly residents, there is growing demand for higher levels of auxiliary services, and that there is still room for improvement in the provision of medical services, fire safety, and rent guarantees, which are key concerns for elderly residents.