Eric Chua on Social Residential Homes Bill

The government is taking a proactive step to uplift the quality of care across the social residential homes sector and strengthen the safeguards for the safety and well-being of their residents. It will consolidate the existing licensing regime for sheltered homes, while unlicensed homes which are mostly governed through funding agreements will be brought under the ambit of the Social Residential Homes Bill. In total, 61 homes with about 4,000 residents will come under this bill - a significant increase from the 35 homes with about 1,100 residents that are currently licensed. Firstly, it will set clear standards for homes to deliver quality care. Secondly, it will establish stronger safeguards to ensure that residents are not placed at risk of harm in the home by making it mandatory for those who perform key roles and duties to undergo suitability assessment, and appointing a Board of Visitors to conduct independent checks on social residential homes. Another key area is a comprehensive enforcement framework against errant operators. These include revocation of licence or suspension. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua, who outlined the key changes in parliament on Tuesday (Apr 8), said the government is committed to supporting home operators. Besides a transition support package, it will offer developmental consultations to social residential homes on the key areas of improvement as they prepare to get on board the new licensing regime.