Seoul City to Supply First 90 Units of 'Senior Support Housing' Combining Residence and Care This Year

Mild Dementia and Elderly Patients with Senile Diseases Receive Welfare Services While Living in Independent Housing
Average Deposit 3 Million KRW and Monthly Rent Around 270,000 KRW ... Targeting 190 Units by 2022

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 24th that it will provide a total of 90 units this year of 'Ansimgadeuk Seniors' Supportive Housing(Seniors' Supportive Housing),' where low-income elderly people who require daily care and assistance due to geriatric diseases can live in independent residential spaces at affordable costs while receiving various welfare services.

Seniors' Supportive Housing is a public rental housing combining residential welfare and care services, first introduced nationwide by Seoul. Residents can receive customized housing maintenance support services reflecting their individual characteristics and needs, including community welfare services, medical and health care support such as hospital accompaniment, and independence support like utility and rent payment assistance, from a housing coordinator(social worker) assigned at a ratio of one per eight housing units.

Currently, 13 people are already living in this Seniors' Supportive Housing in Seoul. The city plans to recruit new residents for 76 units in the second half of the year, including 28 units in Yangcheon-gu, 15 units in Geumcheon-gu, 22 units in Dongdaemun-gu, and 11 units in Gangdong-gu, and aims to supply a total of 190 units by 2022.

Eligible applicants for Seniors' Supportive Housing are household members aged 65 or older residing in Seoul without home ownership, diagnosed with mild dementia or geriatric diseases. They must be classified as long-term care cognitive support grade under the Enforcement Decree of the Long-Term Care Insurance Act or diagnosed with geriatric diseases.

Applicants wishing to move in can submit their application forms and life plans by visiting the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation on July 15-16 or apply by the 19th at district offices or community service centers (rental housing departments). The city will select candidates after reviewing income, assets, and service needs.

The housing allows for single occupancy or communal living if desired. The average exclusive area of the units is 34.9㎡ (approximately 10.56 pyeong), with an average deposit of 3 million KRW and monthly rent around 270,000 KRW, depending on location and size. The lease term is two years, with a maximum residency of up to 20 years.

Considering the mobility convenience of elderly residents with difficulties, elevators are installed, and door widths of rooms and bathrooms have been widened to allow wheelchair access. Additionally, safety features are installed throughout, such as raised bathroom floors to eliminate slopes and the use of non-slip finishing materials.

Kim Seon-soon, Director of Welfare Policy at Seoul City, stated, "Seniors' Supportive Housing is an innovative public rental housing model first introduced nationwide by Seoul, following support housing for the homeless and disabled. Reflecting the desires of elderly people who want to live within their communities, it allows them to live independently while receiving various welfare services, and we will actively support them to live comfortably without worries about moving or care."