Debated in Parliament on 4 Sep 2020.
Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the estimated operational lifespan of a motorised wheelchair or scooter that is issued to a senior under the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF); (b) what proportion of such SMF recipients have since requested a further replacement of their motorised mobility device; and (c) for such requests, what is the median duration after the first device was issued, before the further request arose.
The Seniors' Mobility & Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors to age in place by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above with means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of home healthcare items and assistive devices, including motorised wheelchairs/scooters (MWs).
SMF-subsidised MWs can typically be used for around up to five years or more with proper maintenance.
We recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where seniors may need a replacement device but have no financial means. In such cases, AIC will approve a replacement on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the senior's circumstances.
PAPERCUTS