Residents who have benefited from Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for National Development (a) to date, how many residents have benefitted from the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme; and (b) how will the Ministry work with the Ministry of Health to enhance the current package of modifications to include fall-risk assessment, sensors and alarms to further help our senior residents.

The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme was launched in July 2012. To date, the programme has benefitted close to 149,000 households.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) partners hospitals, volunteer welfare organisations (VWOs) and healthcare professionals to study the risk factors leading to falls by the elderly, as well as to develop and review the list of improvement items under EASE. The current list includes (a) ramps for single-step level differences, (b) grab bars, and (c) slip-resistant treatment to bathroom floor tiles. The specifications for the items, as well as the locations where they should be installed in the flat, were worked out with healthcare professionals to reduce fall risk for the majority of seniors. In cases where occupational therapists make specific recommendations when referring seniors to HDB, we strive to accommodate their needs as much as possible when installing EASE items for them.

HDB regularly reviews EASE to ensure it meets the needs of our seniors. This includes engaging healthcare sector stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, to obtain feedback on potential enhancement items. The Member has highlighted sensors and alarms. HDB is currently conducting a trial of the Smart Elderly Monitoring and Alert System in Yuhua estate and will study the outcome of the trial before deciding on the next steps.